Acute Diverticulitis

This patient presented with vague left flank pain symptoms. The CT exam demonstrates acute diverticulitis (colonic diverticula, peripheral fat stranding, thickened peritoneum). The patient was treated medically. Approximately 25% of diverticulitis patients undergo surgery. When diverticulitis is identified, always evaluate for abcess, fistula (bladder/vaginal/small bowel), obstruction or free intraperitoneal air. ER physicians should know if these findings are present to determine whether the patient requires surgical consultation.

More information, see:
Dahnert, "Radiology Review Manual". 7th ed. page 837.