Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of computed tomographic (CT) scans of the abdomen on clinical outcomes and costs in young male patients presenting with suspected appendicitis. Methods: Discharge data from the University HealthSystem Consortium was accessed for all male patients between 18 and 55 years of age from October 2007 to June 2011. Results: Of a total of 13,228 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 11,340 (85%) were assessed using a CT scan of the abdomen, whereas 1,888 (15%) did not undergo CT evaluation. Patients undergoing CT imaging compared with those without a CT scan had less morbidity (.86% vs 2.2%, P