Comparison of the Modified Alvarado Score and Ultrasonography for Diagnosing Acute Appendicitis

Background: Acute appendicitis can be diagnosed much accurately by using Modified Alvarado score and Ultrasound together in the clinical setting.

Objectives: Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of Modified Alvarado score and Ultrasonographic findings in acute appendicitis.

Materials and Methods: A total of 200 patients of age group ranging from 4-65 years, both male and female, who visited the tertiary health care center with clinical features suggestive of acute appendicitis were randomly selected. Data from the patients regarding their Modified Alvarado score, ultrasonographic findings and histopathological reports were collected for the study. Statistical analysis was performed for the results of both Modified Alvarado score and Ultrasonographic findings in contrast to the pathology reports.

Results: The study included 200 patients, with maximum incidence of acute appendicitis seen in males (70.5%) and among 21-30 age groups (40.5%). The sensitivity, specificity of Modified Alvarado Score was 89.47% and 73.33%, with Positive Predictive Value, Negative Predictive Value and diagnostic accuracy being 40%, 73.33% and 45% respectively. Ultrasonography revealed 89.58% sensitivity, 15.62 % specificity, Positive predictive value and NPV were 75.88% and 50%, and diagnostic accuracy was 72%. The negative appendectomies rates accounted to 15%.

Conclusion: It is advised that both Modified Alvarado score and Ultrasound can be used to together to diagnose acute appendicitis. This can be useful in decreasing the negative appendectomies and hence reduce the morbidity and mortality.