Which imaging study is used to diagnose diverticular disease?

Which imaging study is used to diagnose diverticular disease?

• A. CT scan with contrast
• B. Ultrasound
• C. X-ray
• D. MRI

Answer: (C)

When evaluating suspected diverticular disease, especially diverticulitis, a CT scan with contrast is the imaging study of choice. It provides a detailed view of the colon, showing diverticula along the wall, thickening of the colonic wall, and fat stranding in the surrounding tissues, which together confirm inflammation. CT also detects complications such as abscess, phlegmon, or perforation, which are crucial for guiding treatment decisions like antibiotics, hospitalization, or surgery. Plain X-ray isn’t diagnostic for diverticulitis and is more useful for spotting complications like obstruction or free air if perforation is present, but it won’t identify the inflammatory changes itself. Ultrasound can detect diverticulitis in some patients and is more operator-dependent, with limited reliability for the colon as a whole. MRI isn’t routinely used for acute diverticulitis due to practicality and availability, though it may be considered when CT is contraindicated.

When evaluating suspected diverticular disease, especially diverticulitis, a CT scan with contrast is the imaging study of choice. It provides a detailed view of the colon, showing diverticula along the wall, thickening of the colonic wall, and fat stranding in the surrounding tissues, which together confirm inflammation. CT also detects complications such as abscess, phlegmon, or perforation, which are crucial for guiding treatment decisions like antibiotics, hospitalization, or surgery.

Plain X-ray isn’t diagnostic for diverticulitis and is more useful for spotting complications like obstruction or free air if perforation is present, but it won’t identify the inflammatory changes itself. Ultrasound can detect diverticulitis in some patients and is more operator-dependent, with limited reliability for the colon as a whole. MRI isn’t routinely used for acute diverticulitis due to practicality and availability, though it may be considered when CT is contraindicated.