Role of Multidetector Computed Tomography in The Management of Acute Abdominal Pain in Geriatric Patients

Background: Acute abdominal pain is defined as pain of less than 1 week in duration. It is the most common emergency department (ED) complaint and the fourth most frequent complaint among geriatric cases. Objective: This study aimed to detect the role of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) of the abdomen and pelvis in evaluation of acute abdominal pain (AAP) in geriatric patients. Patients and methods: This prospective study was conducted on elderly patients (over 65 years) who were complaining of acute abdominal pain. They were referred from Emergency Department to The CT Unit of Radiology Department, Menoufia University Hospital through the period of February 2023 to February 2024. Results: Multi-detector Computed Tomography revealed sensitivity of 96.4%, specificity of 75%, PPV of 98.2%, NPP of 60% and accuracy of 95% in diagnosis of the causes of acute abdominal pain in our cases. Conclusion: The present study concluded that AAP is a frequent complaint in geriatric patients brought to the emergency department. MDCT is recommended in cases of the elderly with AAP with non-specific manifestations in the ED that could not be diagnosed properly following clinical examination and ultrasound. MDCT utilization could provide higher accuracy and a better recognition of alternative diagnoses, which include appendicitis and GIT diseases.