Mostly in the sigmoid (80%) , rarely localises to the right colon (5%) or rectum; 10% of diverticulosis cases get diverticulitis. Complicati...
Mostly in the sigmoid (80%), rarely localises to the right colon (5%) or rectum; 10% of diverticulosis cases get diverticulitis. Complications include local perforation, abscess, generalised perforation, faecal peritonitis and bleeding (more likely with diverticula in the proximal colon). Other complications include long-segment strictures that may obstruct and fistulate.
BARIUM ENEMA
• Long, smooth stricture with diverticula disease (malignancy cannot be excluded—ulceration or abrupt calibre change suggests a tumour).
CT
• Mural thickening and adjacent fat stranding (beware tumour!).• Rim enhancing collection (i.e. abscess).• Perforation.• Fistulae—commonly to the bladder, look for bladder wall thickening or gas in the bladder lumen.
Diverticular abscess and colovaginal fistula. Water-soluble contrast enema demonstrating a perforation following an abscess cavity (white arrow) and subsequent fistula with contrast filling the vagina (red arrow).
- For Radiology Cases, Discussion join: Radiology Made Easy on Facebook
- Subscribe to our youtube channel for FRCR radiology case discussion
- Join our Telegram group: Radiology Made Easy
