Assessment of effectiveness of ultrasound and computed tomography in diagnosis of acute abdomen: A comparative study

Abstract

Aim: The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy of US and CT in diagnosis of acute abdomen. Materials & methods: A total of 30 patients which were referred to our department with clinical presentation of acute abdomen were enrolled. US of the abdomen were done in all the patients. Clinical and demographic details of all the patients were obtained. Patients with presence of traumatic acute abdomen were excluded.  CT scan was done in all the patients with High Resolution Siemens Somatom Emotion, in the supine position with both arms above the head and 6mm to 8mm sections were obtained. A predesigned Performa was made for compiling the radio-imaging findings.  The statistical analysis of the data was done using SPSS.Results:A total of 30 patients with clinical presentation suggestive of acute abdomen were enrolled. Mean age of the patients was 49.2 years. CT had hundred percent accuracy in mesenteric ischaemia, malrotation of gut, GB perforation, Pancreatitis and pseudomembranous colitis while ultrasound had one hundred percent accuracy in diagnosing GB perforation and small bowel obstruction. Overall, while analyzing statistically, it was seen the efficacy of CT was significantly highery in diagnosing other acute abdominal conditions.Conclusion: For diagnosing patients with acute abdominal pain, MDCT is an effective imaging modality and hence; should be reserved for patients with non-diagnostic US results.