The USG diagnosis of acute appendicitis is possible if morphological criteria are met (non-compres- sibility, thickness of wall and the whole appendix, fluid accumulation in the surrounding area). In case of marginal findings evaluation of vascularization may help. In the surroundings of the appendix altered by inflammation it is possible to detect flow by means of USG only rarely, due to the site of the appendix and the low flow rate in its vessels. Administration of a contrast agent before examination may prove helpful. The authors present an account on 6 patients with suspected appendicitis with a marginal finding after two-dimensional USG examination. They administered to all patients before the Doppler assessment of flow a contrast agent (Levovist) and followed up the flow parameters (Vmax and RI). The assessed results were compared with the findings on surgery. It was found that in patients with suspected appendicitis and a marginal finding on two-dimensional USG a Vmax value above 15 cm/sec and RI below 0.6 may help with the diagnosis. The preliminary results however need confirmation in a larger group of patients.

        Key words: abdominal sonography - contrast agents - Levovist - Doppler - appendicitis