CT Scan Using IV Contrast Alone for Pediatric Appendicitis

Computed tomography (CT) scan using intravenous contrast (CT IV) as the sole type of contrast material, was studied as one method of evaluating children with suspected appendicitis. We felt that this technique could provide physicians with a faster and better-tolerated alternative to CT imaging which involves patients drinking oral contrast or needing rectal contrast administered. SPECIFIC AIMS 1. To test an imaging protocol using CT IV for the evaluation of suspected appendicitis in children in the setting of a pediatric emergency department (ED). 2. To determine test performance characteristics (specificity, sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy) of CT IV in detecting appendicitis in children.