Jozef Beňačka
In this review article the author presents a summary of information from literature sources together with his own practical experience associated to ultrasound diagnostics of acute appendicitis with the emphasis on the role of US in the process of differential diagnostics of conditions known as “ acute abdomen”. In the introduction the author presents a brief survey of development of ultrasound techniques that had a crucial influence on establishment of ultrasound diagnostics as a main imaging method in acute appendicitis diagnostics. It is followed by a brief description of main procedures on examining of hypogastrium and the region of appendix, characteristics of basic USG criteria of acute appendicitis. The author highlights possible errors and complications related to evaluation of findings and presents the survey of other diseases and clinical findings where USG of hypogastrium is clearly benefit for the process of differential diagnostics and followed therapy. Further part of the article consists of commentary to published statistical data related to sensitivity and specificity of USG examinations of appendix. The reader can form his own attitude to ultrasonographic diagnostics of appendicitis and its place in algorithm of examinations considering personnel and technical appliances.