Researchers: Smart Phones Can Aid in Diagnosing Appendicitis

Chicago, IL (AHN) – Radiologists can accurately diagnose acute appendicitis from a remote location with the use of a handheld device or mobile phone equipped with special software, according to a recent study.

While at a meeting of the Radiological Society of North America the study’s lead author, Asim F. Choudhri, M.D. said, “The goal is to improve the speed and accuracy of medical diagnoses, as well as to improve communications among different consulting physicians.”

He continued by saying, “When we can make these determinations earlier, the appropriate surgical teams and equipment can be assembled before the surgeon even has the chance to examine the patient.”

Appendicitis, or inflammation and infection of the appendix, is a medical emergency requiring surgical removal of the organ. Undiagnosed or left untreated, the inflamed appendix will rupture, causing toxins to spill into the abdominal cavity and potentially causing a life-threatening infection.

According to the National Institutes of Health an appendicitis can occur at any age but is most common in people between the ages of 10 and 30.

Based on current medical testing when a patient arrives at the emergency room with suspected appendicitis they will undergo computed tomography (CT) and a physical examination. Transmitting the images over a mobile device allows for instant consultation and diagnosis from a remote location. It can also aid in surgical planning.

“This new technology can expedite diagnosis and, therefore, treatment,” Dr. Choudhri said.

In the study radiologists used an iPhone G3 equipped with OsiriX Mobile medical image viewing software.

“The scans can be read in full resolution with very little panning, and the software allows the reader to zoom and adjust the contrast and brightness of the image,” Dr. Choudhri said. “The radiologist is evaluating actual raw image data, not snapshots.”

In the test study Fifteen of the 25 patients were correctly identified as having acute appendicitis on 74 (99 percent) of 75 interpretations, with one false negative. The study said the iPhone interpretations of the CT scans were as accurate as the interpretations viewed on dedicated picture archiving and communication system (PACS) workstations. Researchers say that this technique has great potential for improving and expediting emergency room care.