Factors affecting utilization of CT scan following ultrasound evaluation of suspected appendicitis

When evaluating a pediatric patient in the emergency department for suspected appendicitis, a provider is often faced with the dilemma of deciding if a computed tomography (CT) scan is warranted when—as is most often the case—ultrasound results do not yield a definitive diagnosis. The potential risks of radiation must be weighed against numerous aspects of a patient’s background, physical exam, and already-obtained workup.