Low‐dose computed tomography versus plain abdominal radiography in the investigation of an acute abdomen

Abstract

LDCT demonstrates a superior diagnostic yield over AR and reduces the number of subsequent imaging tests for a minimal cost in radiation exposure. However, there is no difference in the overall hospital LOS between the two imaging strategies.

Diagnostic accuracy of low-dose CT compared with abdominal radiography in non-traumatic acute abdominal pain: prospective study and systematic review

“…Not all studies provided data for evaluation of both overall performance and bowel obstruction, which explains a lower number of studies in each of these figures. In a randomized controlled trial by Nguyen et al [12] for the diagnosis of bowel obstruction, a sensitivity of 82 % was reported for low-dose CT and 62 % for abdominal radiography, with a specificity of 93 % and 92 %, respectively.…”

“…2). One of these was later excluded from the numerical analysis because of insufficient data [12] despite twice trying to contact the authors. The study characteristics are shown in Table 2.…”

Free air on plain film: Do we need a computed tomography too?

“…[567] It can also frequently identify the exact site of gastrointestinal perforation when present and diagnose a wide range of other intra-abdominal pathology. [89101112131415] The accuracy of CT for identifying the site of perforation ranges from approximately 70% to 90%. [56] The additional information gained by CT may be useful in either directing or avoiding surgery in patients with pneumoperitoneum on plain X-ray.…”

Abdominal radiographs in the emergency department: current status and controversies

“…Nguyen et al. described the performance of low‐dose CT of the abdomen in comparison to abdominal radiographs 8. The results are promising but despite technological advances, the radiation dose remains at 2–3 mSv.…”

“…Nguyen et al described the performance of low-dose CT of the abdomen in comparison to abdominal radiographs. 8 The results are promising but despite technological advances, the radiation dose remains at 2-3 mSv. The advantage of CT is that it serves a one-stop imaging modality for most of the causes of the acute abdomen, including rare abnormalities.…”