Using low-dose contrast media with low-radiation CT for diagnosing appendicitis
Optimizing Low-dose Contrast Media Protocol for Low-kVp Abdominopelvic CT in Suspected Acute Appendicitis
This study tests if using less contrast and lower radiation in CT scans can help young patients with suspected appendicitis get accurate diagnoses while reducing their exposure to radiation.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 292 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years to 44 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Seoul St. Mary's Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Seoul) |
| Trial ID | NCT05878665 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of low-dose contrast media combined with low-radiation abdominal CT scans for diagnosing acute appendicitis in young patients. The study will assess whether this approach can maintain acceptable diagnostic accuracy while significantly reducing radiation exposure. Participants will include patients in the emergency department suspected of having acute appendicitis who are scheduled for a contrast-enhanced CT scan. The study will also measure the amount of radiation saved through this method.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are young patients in the emergency department with suspected acute appendicitis who require a contrast-enhanced CT scan.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have a BMI of 30 or greater, or have contraindications to contrast-enhanced CT will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to safer diagnostic procedures for young patients with suspected appendicitis by minimizing radiation exposure.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of low-dose imaging techniques is gaining traction, this specific combination of low-dose contrast media and low-radiation CT for appendicitis diagnosis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Patients in the emergency department with suspected acute appendicitis based on clinical examination * Patients scheduled for contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis for diagnosis of suspected acute appendicitis. Exclusion criteria: * Patients who decline to participate * Contraindications to contrast-enhanced CT (eGFR \< 30 mL/min/173 m\^2 or pregnant) * BMI \>= 30.
Where this trial is running
Seoul
- Seoul St. Mary's Hospital — Seoul, South Korea (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bohyun Kim, MD, PhD — Seoul St. Mary's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Bohyun Kim, MD, PhD
- Email: kbh@catholic.ac.kr
- Phone: 82-2-2258-5793
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.