Abstract:
Introduction: Acute abdomen might indicate a progressive intra-abdominal condition that is threatening to life or capable of causing severe morbidity.
Methods: This prospective study was conducted between Jan. and July 2017 on 50 consecutive patients. Detail abdominal ultrasound was done. After ultrasound traditional three-views acute abdominal xray series (AAS) were taken. Final diagnosis was made on the basis of operative findings/therapeutic response/ histopathological/ laboratory findings. Finally, accuracy of clinical diagnosis, plain film and ultrasound in evaluation of acute abdomen was determined.
Results: Ultrasound yielded an overall sensitivity and specificity of 70.00% and 80.00% respectively. The AAS interpretations yielded an overall sensitivity and specificity of 20.00% and 40.00% respectively.
Conclusion: Plain x ray is less sensitive in the evaluation of nontraumatic acute abdomen so it should be used together with ultrasound abdomen in order to arrive at a correct diagnosis.