Diagnostic Accuracy of Ileocolic Artery and Vein Diameter for Acute Appendicitis

Abstract

Background

Regional inflammation-induced local vasodilation may exist in cases of appendicitis. In this study, the diameters of the ileocolic artery (ICA) and ileocolic vein (ICV) were measured using contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans in acute appendicitis cases. The study aimed to measure the diagnostic value of these measurements in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Material/Methods

A total of 508 patients, including those with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis and a control group without appendicitis, were systematically evaluated. In all cases, the appendix was analyzed simultaneously on axial and coronal CT sections, and all measurement procedures were conducted with an electronic ruler after the actual images were magnified. Measurements of the ICA and ICV diameters were taken from the proximal 2-cm segments of the superior mesenteric artery and superior mesenteric vein in the axial plane. Demographic information, sex distribution, and ICA and ICV diameters were collected.

Results

Of the 508 patients, 53.74% were men, and 46.26% were women. ICA and ICV diameters were significantly increased in the appendicitis group ( P<0.001). Binomial logistic regression confirmed the independent predictive value of ICA and ICV diameters. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined optimal cut-off values for distinguishing between the non-appendicitis and appendicitis groups (ICA: 2.475 mm, ICV: 3.885 mm) with high sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions

ICA and ICV diameter measurements, in conjunction with major radiological findings, can enhance diagnostic accuracy in acute appendicitis cases. The use of ICA and ICV diameter measurements in diagnosing acute appendicitis offers a novel perspective in clinical practice.