Does the Implementation of a Pediatric Appendicitis Pathway Promoting Ultrasound Work Outside of a Children’s Hospital?: Kobayashi E, Johnson B, Goetz K, et al. Am J Surg. 2018; 215(5):917-920

Abstract

The diagnosis of appendicitis in children relies on a combination of clinical features and diagnostic imaging, whether it be ultrasound (US) or Computed Tomography (CT) scan. In recent years there has been a greater emphasis on diagnosis by clinical scoring systems in concert with ultrasound in order to reduce radiation exposure. Many children’s hospitals have adopted clinical pathways to facilitate diagnosis and spare CT scans. This study sought to demonstrate the efficacy of an appendicitis diagnostic pathway in community settings.