30th April 2024

A 68-year-old man with a history of atrial fibrillation and hypertension presents to the emergency department with sudden onset severe abdominal pain.

A 68-year-old man with a history of atrial fibrillation and hypertension presents to the emergency department with sudden onset severe abdominal pain. The pain is diffuse, constant, and disproportionate to the physical findings. He also reports nausea and a single episode of vomiting. He has not had a bowel movement since the pain started. His medications include warfarin and a beta-blocker. On examination, his abdomen is mildly distended and tender to palpation, but there is no rebound tenderness or guarding. His heart rate is irregularly irregular, and his abdomen is mildly distended.

Which investigation is most appropriate to confirm the suspected diagnosis?