ROLE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS VISITING MARDAN MEDICAL COMPLEX: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Acute appendicitis is one of the most frequent surgical emergencies worldwide and remains clinically challenging due to its variable presentation. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent complications such as perforation, abscess formation, and peritonitis. Ultrasonography (USG) is widely recognized as a radiation-free, rapid, and cost-effective imaging modality, especially beneficial for young adults and pregnant women. Despite its routine use, variations in operator expertise and patient characteristics necessitate continuous evaluation of its diagnostic performance in different clinical settings.

Objective: To determine the diagnostic role of ultrasonography in identifying acute appendicitis among young adults presenting to Mardan Medical Complex.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at the Radiology Department of Mardan Medical Complex. A total of 132 young adults clinically suspected of acute appendicitis were enrolled through non-probability convenience sampling. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed using Toshiba Xario 100 equipped with a 5–10 MHz transducer, employing the graded-compression technique for optimal visualization. Data were recorded using a structured proforma and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics were computed for demographic and sonographic variables, while chi-square tests were applied to assess associations, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Among 132 participants, 30.3% were male and 69.7% female, with a mean age of 24.13 ± 3.9 years. The appendix was successfully visualized in 92.4% of patients. Sonographic abnormalities included enlarged appendix in 59.1%, wall thickening in 22.7%, perforation in 11.4%, and normal appendix in 6.8%. Additional findings comprised free fluid in 43.2%, abscess in 30.3%, and intestinal obstruction in 27.3%. No significant association was observed between appendix appearance and age, gender, or weight (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Ultrasonography demonstrated strong diagnostic utility for evaluating acute appendicitis in young adults and should be prioritized as the first-line imaging modality, particularly in resource-limited healthcare settings.