Radiological diagnosis and management of diverticulitis

Thirteen (13) patients with proven diverticulitis are presented with the aim of demonstrating the current evaluation and management. Radiological evaluation were obtained with plain abdominal x-rays and computed tomography (CT) in all cases, abdominal ultrasonography (US) in 8 cases and contrast enema in 5 patients. Radiological percutaneous abscess drainage (PAD) were performed in 5 cases, two of which preceded surgery. A clinical suspicion of diverticulitis was made in only 3 of the 13 cases. CT provided the diagnosis in all cases and helped in directing the appropriate management. Ultrasound was also useful but to a lesser extent. CT or US guided PAD reduced the surgical operation to a single stage procedure instead of the former 2- to 3-stage surgical management. Plain abdominal x-ray were only useful for the diagnosis in intestinal obstruction and vesical fistula. Contrast enema provided supporting information when necessary. CT clearly diagnosed both suspected and totally unsuspected cases of diverticulitis and provides guidance for the appropriate management. When CT is unavailable US with accurate colonic imaging and abscesses identification can also be useful in diagnosing and guiding drainage. Plain abdominal x-rays are less helpful but mandatory since the presentation is usually that of acute abdomen. Water soluble contrast enema also provides supportive features when necessary. In areas where diverticular disease is uncommon, diverticulitis should be suspected in cases with left iliac fossa or pelvic pain with mass and tenderness.