What is Alvarado score?

The Alvarado score is a clinical scoring system used in the diagnosis of appendicitis. Alvarado scoring has largely been superseded as a clinical prediction tool by the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score.

Also known by the mnemonic MANTRELS, the scale has 6 clinical items and 2 laboratory measurements, each given an additive point score, with a maximum of 10 points possible. It was introduced in 1986 by Dr. Alfredo Alvarado and although meant for pregnant females, it has been extensively validated in the non-pregnant population. A known limitation of the score is that only 20% of elderly patients present with classic findings on which the score focuses. A modified Alvarado score is at present in use.