Computed tomography of diverticulitis

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) is capable of imaging diverticulitis of the colon. Localized wall thickening, soft tissue density in the pericolic fat, and large soft tissue masses that may or may not contain gas have been observed in diverticulitis. Because of its noninvasive nature, CT may have an advantage in the acute phase of diverticulitis when there may be reluctance to do a barium enema. More experience will be needed to see if CT will be predictive of a need for surgery.