New acute appendicitis research from Seoul National University discussed

   "Computed tomography visualized the inflamed diverticula (up to 4 per patient) mostly as small (median, 7.5 mm) round cystic outpouchings at the distal appendix with contrast enhancement at the cyst wall in 16 (80%) patients with appendiceal diverticulitis. In 50% of appendiceal diverticulitis patients, computed tomographic diagnosis of accompanying appendicitis was false positive. Appendicolith was rarely observed in the appendiceal diverticulitis group (5% vs 48%, P = 0.002). No significant difference was observed in the clinical findings except for the patient age (median, 45 vs 31 years; P = 0.001)," wrote K.H. Lee and colleagues, Seoul National University.

   The researchers concluded: "Most appendiceal diverticulitis can be differentiated from usual acute appendicitis at computed tomography by visualization of the inflamed diverticulum."

   Lee and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography (New acute appendicitis research from Seoul National University discussed. Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography, 2007;31(5):763-769).

   For more information, contact A.Y.H. Kim, Seoul National University, Bundang Hospital, Dept. of Radiol, 300 Gumi-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnamsi, Gyeonggi Do 463707, South Korea.

   Publisher contact information for the Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography is: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA.

   Keywords: South Korea, Acute Appendicitis, Computer Assisted Tomography, Cysts, Diagnostics, Diverticulitis, Gastroenterology, Surgery, Seoul National University.

   This article was prepared by Gastroenterology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Gastroenterology Week via NewsRx.com.

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