Emergency Department CT Scanning for Appendicitis

WellSpan Health244 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to compare IV contrast only vs. IV and oral contrast Computed Tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in adult patients in our emergency department. A secondary purpose will be to design a specific CT for appendicitis protocol at our institution at the conclusion of this study.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

244

Conditions

Appendicitis

Interventions

OmnipaqueOTHER

oral contrast for CT scan

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years and older who present to the York Hospital Emergency Department with signs and symptoms suggestive of acute appendicitis, but in whom the diagnosis remains unclear as determined by an attending emergency physician or consulting surgeon and in which a CT scan is needed to further assist in the diagnosis Exclusion Criteria: * pregnant patients * patients with known IV dye or oral contrast allergy * patients in whom acute appendicitis is not the primary diagnosis * patients with renal insufficiency that may have significant adverse effect from IV dye

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

sensitivity of IV contrast alone for a computed tomography scan for the diagnosis of appendicitis in the adult Emergency Department patient.

Time frame: immediate reading + blinded reading within 48 hours

Secondary Outcomes

If IV contrast alone for CT scan is sensitive for the diagnosis of appendicitis in the adult Emergency department patient

Time frame: immediate reading and blinded reading within 48 hours

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.