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- For children under 5 years of age the rate of missing an appendicitis remains very high. (57%-67%)
- The rate of misdiagnosis increases as the age decreases.
- In cases of missed appendicitis the most common incorrect diagnosis is gastroenteritis.
- Think twice before you label vomiting alone, or diarrhea alone as gastroenteritis.
- If an appendicitis is missed there is an increased risk of perforation, abscess formation, and higher morbidity.
References
Acute Appendicitis in Childhood: Diagnosis and Treatment in the new Millennium. PEM Practice. December 2008