Lintula Score Calculator
Pediatric Appendicitis Diagnostic Tool
About Lintula Score
The Lintula Score is a clinical diagnostic tool specifically designed for children to assess the likelihood of acute appendicitis. It was developed to improve diagnostic accuracy in pediatric patients, where appendicitis can be challenging to diagnose.
Clinical Importance
Appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies in children. The Lintula Score helps clinicians standardize the assessment of pediatric patients with suspected appendicitis, potentially reducing diagnostic errors and unnecessary surgeries.
Lintula Score Components
The score evaluates multiple clinical parameters, each assigned specific points:
| Parameter | Points |
|---|---|
| Pain migration to right lower quadrant | 6 |
| Pain in right lower quadrant | 2 |
| Tenderness with coughing/percussion/hopping | 2 |
| Rebound tenderness | 4 |
| Elevated temperature (>37.5°C) | 3 |
| Rigidity/guarding | 3 |
| Loss of appetite | 2 |
| Nausea/vomiting | 2 |
| Leukocytosis (WBC > 10,000/μL) | 3 |
| Neutrophilia (>75%) | 3 |
Interpretation
The Lintula Score ranges from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating greater likelihood of appendicitis:
Pediatric Consideration: Children may present with atypical symptoms of appendicitis. Always consider the child’s age, developmental stage, and ability to communicate symptoms when using this scoring system.
Note: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Clinical decisions should not be based solely on this tool. Always consult with healthcare professionals for patient management.
Lintula Score Calculator
Lintula Score Result
Component Scores
Understanding the Criteria
Pain Migration: Pain that starts elsewhere (often periumbilical) and moves to the right lower quadrant.
RLQ Pain: Pain localized to the right lower quadrant of the abdomen.
Cough Tenderness: Pain in the RLQ when the child coughs, hops, or when the abdomen is percussed.
Rebound Tenderness: Pain that increases when pressure is released, suggesting peritoneal inflammation.
Rigidity/Guarding: Involuntary muscle contraction of the abdominal wall when touched.
