[Diverticular disease: stage-related diagnostic imaging]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Diverticular disease is a frequent cause of emergency hospital admissions.
• Current clinical parameters lack accuracy in determining the extent of acute colonic diverticulitis.
• A rapid, reliable diagnostic imaging method is essential for managing diverticulitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and classify common imaging methods for diverticulitis diagnosis and staging.
• To evaluate these methods within the context of available data and clinical practice.
• To provide an overview of current and emerging imaging techniques for diverticulitis.

Main Methods:

• Review and classification of established imaging modalities.
• Assessment of Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) as a diagnostic tool.
• Discussion of the potential roles for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS).

Main Results:

• Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is identified as the current diagnostic gold standard for diverticulitis.
• MDCT provides the foundation for guideline-adherent treatment decisions based on the Classification of Diverticular Disease (CDD).

Conclusions:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) shows promise for diverticulitis evaluation, with anticipated increased integration.
• Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is expected to gain importance for initial diagnosis and follow-up, similar to its role in trauma assessment (FAST).