AttendMe Owl Logo
AttendMe
Sign In
All Pathways
RadiologyDiagnostic

Acute Abdomen Imaging Selection (ACR)

Acute Abdomen Imaging Selection (ACR): Acute Abdominal Pain → Pain Location → RLQ Approach → CT Abdomen/Pelvis IV.

Interactive Decision Tree

Mini Map

Algorithm Steps

  1. ▶
    Start

    Acute Abdominal Pain

    1. ◆
      Decision

      Pain Location

      • RLQ
      • RUQ
      • LLQ
      • Epigastric
      • Diffuse
      1. ◆
        Decision

        RLQ Approach

        • Adult
        • Child/Pregnant
        1. ■
          End

          CT Abdomen/Pelvis IV

          First-line adults

        2. ●
          Action

          Graded Compression US

          First-line peds/pregnancy

      2. ●
        Action

        RUQ Ultrasound

        First-line for biliary

      3. ■
        End

        CT Abdomen/Pelvis IV

        Diverticulitis workup

      4. ◆
        Decision

        Lipase Elevated?

        1. ■
          End

          CT for Complications

          48-72h if severe

      5. ●
        Action

        XR then CT

        Transition point, closed loop

Guideline Source

ACR Appropriateness Criteria: Acute Abdominal Pain

DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2018.09.011View Guideline

Clinical Safety Information

Clinical Decision Support — Not a Substitute for Clinical Judgment

Individual patient factors may require deviation from these recommendations.

Known Limitations

  • Clinical context critical for imaging selection
  • Radiation concerns in young patients
  • Pregnancy requires US-first approach

Applicable Regions

USAUUKEU

EU: ESR guidelines similar

US: ACR Appropriateness Criteria standard

Version 1Next review: 2028-01-01

Related Radiology Pathways

Acute Stroke Imaging Protocol (AHA/ASA)

Diagnostic

Contrast Allergy Management (ACR 2021)

Management

Contrast Extravasation Management (ACR 2024)

Emergency

Contrast-Induced AKI Prevention (ACR/KDIGO)

Management

Next steps

Finish the workflow by opening the most relevant calculator, then convert the session into a live account when you are ready.

Calculator

Body Mass Index

Weight classification based on height and weight

Open page

Compare

AttendMe.ai vs UpToDate

See how this pathway workflow compares against UpToDate.

Open page

Commercial

Start free

Run the pathway in a live AttendMe account with citations and tracked usage.

Start free

Related Resources

All Clinical PathwaysClinical CalculatorsAI Chat with Auto-Detection

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Acute Abdomen Imaging Selection (ACR)?

The Acute Abdomen Imaging Selection (ACR) is a diagnostic clinical algorithm for Radiology. It provides a structured decision tree to guide clinical decision-making, based on ACR Appropriateness Criteria: Acute Abdominal Pain.

What guideline is the Acute Abdomen Imaging Selection (ACR) based on?

This algorithm is based on ACR Appropriateness Criteria: Acute Abdominal Pain (DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2018.09.011).

What are the limitations of the Acute Abdomen Imaging Selection (ACR)?

Known limitations include: Clinical context critical for imaging selection; Radiation concerns in young patients; Pregnancy requires US-first approach. Individual patient factors may require deviation from these recommendations.

Get AI-Powered Analysis Alongside This Algorithm

In AttendMe.ai, the Acute Abdomen Imaging Selection (ACR) appears automatically when your clinical question matches — alongside evidence from 3M+ peer-reviewed articles.

Try AttendMe Free