Absolute neutrophil count as a diagnostic guide for the use of MRI in the workup of suspected appendicitis in children

J Pediatr Surg. 2019 Jul;54(7):1359-1364. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2018.06.021. Epub 2018 Jun 22.

Abstract

Background/purpose: To assess the additive value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the setting of an equivocal US (Eq-US) with or without an elevated absolute neutrophil count (ANC).

Methods: Single-institution, retrospective review of children ages 5-18 years who presented to the ER with suspected appendicitis from 9/2015 to 8/2016. US, ANC, and MRI results were reviewed. Imaging was identified as positive/suspicious, normal, or equivocal and ANC <8000/mm3 was defined as normal.

Results: 738 patients with a median age of 11 years (IQR 8-14) met inclusion criteria. US was equivocal in 61.4%. Among 304 (67.1%) patients with an Eq-US and normal ANC, only 5 (1.6%) had acute appendicitis. In contrast, 28 of 149 patients (18.8%) with Eq-US and elevated ANC had appendicitis. MRI was performed in 125 patients with Eq-US and was positive/suspicious in 2.9% (2/69) with normal ANC and 25.0% (14/56) with elevated ANC. MRI had 94.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity for acute appendicitis in patients with an Eq-US.

Conclusions: MRI has high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing acute appendicitis in children. Patients with Eq-US plus a normal ANC have a very low likelihood of appendicitis and do not typically require further imaging. MRI may have utility for children with Eq-US and elevated ANC.

Level of evidence: Level III.

Keywords: Absolute neutrophil count; Appendicitis; Children; Equivocal ultrasound; MRI.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Appendicitis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Appendicitis / immunology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Neutrophils / pathology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity