Purpose: Because of awareness of iatrogenic radiation exposure, there is a national trend of diminishing computed tomography (CT) use for pediatric suspected appendicitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a CT reduction program for evaluation of appendicitis.
Methods: A multidisciplinary group (emergency medicine, radiology, and surgery) at a children's hospital developed a reduction program which included: ultrasound (U/S) first (2012), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) second (2014), and standardized U/S reports (2016). Imaging modality, negative appendectomy rate, time from first image to incision, and imaging costs were evaluated over time.
Results: Of the 571 patients evaluated from 2012 to 2016, there was a significant decrease in CT use and increase U/S and MRI use over the study period (all p<0.01). CT use approached zero in 2016. Time from first image to incision (median 10.7h, IQR 5.6-15.5) and negative appendectomy rate (mean 3.7±0.2%) did not change. Median imaging costs ($88, IQR $52-$169) and radiology percent of total costs (range 0.8%-3.9%) increased over time (both p<0.01).
Conclusion: Approaching zero CT use for evaluation of pediatric appendicitis is possible through a multidisciplinary protocol without impacting clinical outcomes. However, increased MRI use led to higher costs. Cost-effectiveness of replacing CT with MRI warrants further study.
Type of study: Retrospective comparative study.
Level of evidence: Level III.
Keywords: ALARA; CT; Computed tomography; MRI; Magnetic resonance imaging; Pediatric appendicitis.
Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.