Diagnostic Accuracy of Bedside Ultrasound in Suspected Acute Diverticulitis

Patients presenting to the Emergency Department with abdominal pain suspected of acute diverticulitis are evaluated with standard care by an Emergency Physician (tutor); at the time the tutor requests an imaging test performed by Radiologist (CT scan or US scan), he notifies another physicians skilled in bedside abdominal US (ultrasonographer), who evaluates the patient and performs the US scan. Ultrasonographer after completation of US and knowing blood samples results fills in a standardized form reporting the diagnostic hypotesis, the need for additional work-up (if deemed necessary), and the disposition of the patient. The standardized form completed by the ultrasonographer will be compared with the actual management of the patient.