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Researchers evaluated the frequency of sonographic visualization of the normal pediatric appendix and characteristics associated with it in a prospective study of 123 asymptomatic children ages 2 to 18 years. Pediatric sonographers with at least 10 years' experience used a 6–16-MHz linear transducer to examine the right lower quadrant of each child.
At least some portion of the appendix was visualized in 82 children (67%), and the entire appendix was visualized in 68 (55%). The mean appendix diameter was 4.2 mm, and the mean mural thickness was 1.2 mm. Color Doppler flow was minimal in 27% of visualized appendixes and moderate in 29%. Anechoic right lower quadrant fluid was noted in 19% of children, and at least one mesenteric lymph node was…