A 68-year-old male presents with LLQ abdominal pain. Which initial diagnostic test would be appropriate?

In evaluating a 68-year-old male with left lower quadrant (LLQ) abdominal pain, ultrasound is often the preferred initial diagnostic test. This is primarily due to its non-invasive nature, ability to quickly assess for conditions such as diverticulitis, kidney stones, and potential vascular issues without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation.

Ultrasound is particularly useful in differentiating between various causes of abdominal pain, including those that may involve the gastrointestinal tract and the urinary system. For a patient in this age group, where conditions like diverticulitis or complications from diverticular disease may be suspected, an ultrasound can provide real-time imaging to aid in diagnosis while allowing for further management or referral if necessary.

Other imaging modalities, such as CT scans or MRIs, may provide more detailed images and can be utilized later based on the ultrasound findings or if the clinical situation warrants further investigation. However, they are typically not the first step because they come with higher costs, increased wait times, and radiation exposure, which are significant considerations, especially in older adults.

KUB X-rays can provide some information but are often not as effective in diagnosing conditions pertinent to LLQ pain compared to ultrasound. Hence, ultrasound stands out as the most appropriate initial diagnostic test in