Rate of and factors affecting sonographic visualization of the appendix in asymptomatic children.

Reported sonographic visualization rates of the appendix in children are variable. Visualization rates may be affected by patient's age and various patients' physical characteristics. The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of sonographic visualization of the appendix by pediatric sonographers, to assess factors that may affect visualization of the appendix, and to define the characteristics of the appendix and periappendiceal region in asymptomatic children. Asymptomatic children between the ages of 2 and 18 were prospectively enrolled and evaluated for 15 min by pediatric sonographers. Of the 123 patients, the entire appendix was seen in 68 patients (55.2 %) and at least partially visualized in an additional 14 for a total of 82 patients (66.7 %). Visualization rate was not affected by body mass index, age, or gender. Appendiceal characteristics and periappendiceal findings were similar to previously published data. The average time required to initially detect the appendix was 275.2 + 211.3 s.