Pediatric appendicitis with appendicolith often presents with prolonged abdominal pain and a high risk of perforation

• Published in: World journal of pediatrics : WJP 2018-04, Vol.14 (2), p.184-190
• Main Authors: Yoon, Hee Mang, Kim, Jung Heon, Lee, Jong Seung, Ryu, Jeong-Min, Kim, Dae Yeon, Lee, Jeong-Yong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Critical Care Medicine; Imaging; Intensive; Maternal and Child Health; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original Article; Pediatric Surgery; Pediatrics; Radiology; Surgery
• ISSN: 1708-8569; 1867-0687
• DOI: 10.1007/s12519-018-0128-8

Background Appendicolith can cause appendiceal obstruction and acute appendicitis. Its high prevalence may be related to the high perforation rate in pediatric appendicitis. This study assessed the characteristics of appendicolith and its clinical significance in pediatric appendicitis. Methods A retrospective study was performed among children and adolescents younger than 17 years who were preoperatively diagnosed with appendicitis in the pediatric emergency department (ED). A total of 269 patients with a mean age of 9.98 ± 3.37 years were enrolled. Clinical features and contrast-enhanced computed tomography findings were analyzed. Results Among the 269 patients, 147 (54.6%) had appendicoliths, with a mean maximal diameter of 5.21 ± 2.34 mm. Compared to the no appendicolith group, the appendicolith group demonstrated more prolonged abdominal pain (≥ 48 hours) before the ED visit (23.1% vs. 11.5%; P  = 0.013), clinical features of severe appendicitis (presence of fever, vomiting, positive urine ketone, and increased C-reactive protein), and higher rate of perforation (43.5% vs. 9.8%; P