Question

A 30 year old man presents with severe generalised abdominal pain and rebound tenderness. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. You suspect generalised peritonitis. What is the most appropriate initial imaging strategy in the emergency department?

Accepted Answer

Urgent contrast enhanced CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis

Answer

Elective ultrasound scan within a week

Answer

Plain abdominal X ray only

Answer

No imaging before diagnostic laparoscopy in all cases

Answer

MRI abdomen as first line

Practice question

A 30 year old man presents with severe generalised abdominal pain and rebound tenderness. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. You suspect generalised peritonitis. What is the most appropriate initial imaging strategy in the emergency department?