Loftus et al identified factors predictive for an appendiceal tumor in a patient presenting with appendicitis. A patient with predictors for an appendiceal tumor may benefit from appendectomy rather than nonsurgical management. The authors are from the University of Florida, Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Orange Park Medical Center in Florida.
Patient: appendicitis
Risk factors for an appendiceal tumor:
(1) age of the patient >= 50 years (odds ratio 3.6)
(2) outpatient steroid or immunosuppressant therapy (odds ratio 12.1)
(3) absence of migratory right quadrant pain (odds ratio 4.7)
(4) appearance of a phlegmon on CT scan (odds ratio 7.0)
There might be additional features in a CT scan that might suggest a mucocele or other tumor.
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