Developing a Decision Tool for Diverticulitis in the Emergency Department Using Ultrasound

Developing a Decision Tool for Diverticulitis in the Emergency Department Using Ultrasound

The purpose of this study is to create a decision tool using ultrasound, patient history, and laboratory values to predict a diagnosis of complicated diverticulitis and whether the patient requires further imaging. The accuracy of the decision tool will be evaluated. This study will also assess the ability of ultrasound to diagnose complicated and simple diverticulitis, and the inter-provider reliability of ultrasound interpretation of diverticulitis

Inclusion Criteria:

• Emergency department patient
• Provider suspicion of diverticulitis
• CT scan ordered

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant patient
• Prisoner
• Non-English speaking
• Inability to provide informed consent
• Hemodynamically unstable as determined by provider
• Previous abdominal surgery within last 7 days
• Unable to lay flat for ultrasound exam