Evaluation of normal appendix size in children by ultrasonography

Abstract

The aim oí this study was to determine detectabihty and size of appendix in different pediatric age groups by ultrasonography. We included 100 children without abdominal pain between 1 and 14 years of age (51 male, 49 female, mean age: 8,36 year) to whom andominal ultrasonograpy was performed for routine controls, recurrent urinary tract infection, enuresis, anemia, Hepatitis B and ureterovesical junction obstruction. Children were divided into 3 groups according to their ages as 1-5, 6-10 and 11-14 years of age. In those children localization and the diameter of appendix was recorded. Appendix was detected in 47% (29 male, 18 female) of children. Mean diameter of appendix was 3,46±0,77 (1,7-5,4 mm). No difference in detectability and in size of appendix among three age groups were seen. We concluded that in children normal appendix could be detected by ultrasonography and diameter of it does not show significant change with age. We tought that this knowledge is important in differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis by ultrasonography.