What is the next investigation for a 26-year-old female patient with suprapubic and right iliac fossa pain, tenderness in the right iliac fossa, a white blood cell count of 12 (×10... What is the next investigation for a 26-year-old female patient with suprapubic and right iliac fossa pain, tenderness in the right iliac fossa, a white blood cell count of 12 (×103/μL), and inconclusive abdominal ultrasound?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the next appropriate investigative step in the management of a patient with possible acute appendicitis or another abdominal condition, given her symptoms and initial test results.
Answer
CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis.
The final answer is to perform a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is to perform a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis.
More Information
A CT scan is often used to confirm cases of suspected appendicitis when ultrasound findings are inconclusive, as it provides detailed images of the abdominal organs.
Tips
A common mistake is delaying further imaging when ultrasound is inconclusive, while prompt CT imaging can provide a definitive diagnosis.
Sources
- Acute appendicitis - BMJ Best Practice - bestpractice.bmj.com
- Acute appendicitis - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment - epocrates.com
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