CT scan showing extensive<unk>  of the sigmoid colon Diverticular disease Whole slide of a transverse section of the left colon with<unk> <unk>  is defined by the presence of multiple pouches (diverticula) in the colon. In people without symptoms, these are usually found incidentally during other investigations. While a good history is often sufficient to form a diagnosis of<unk>  or diverticulitis, it is important to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other pathology (notably colorectal cancer) and complications. Imaging * Barium enema is inferior to colonoscopy in terms of image quality and is usually only performed if the patient has strictures or an excessively tortuous sigmoid colon where colonoscopy is difficult or dangerous. * Colonoscopy will show the diverticulum and rule out malignancy. A colonoscopy should be performed 4–6 weeks after an acute episode. * Contrast CT is the investigation of choice in acute episodes of diverticulitis and where complications exist. * MRI provides a clear picture of the soft tissue of the abdomen, however, its expense often outweighs the benefits when compared to contrast CT or colonoscopy. * Plain abdominal X-ray may show signs of a thickened wall, ileus, constipation, small bowel obstruction or free air in the case of perforation. Plain X-rays are insufficient to diagnose diverticular disease. * There is no blood test for<unk> . It is important to note that both barium enema and colonoscopy are contraindicated during acute episodes of diverticulitis, as the barium may leak out into the abdominal cavity, and colonoscopy can cause perforations of the bowel wall.
Diverticulosis
Diversion colitis
Chemical colitis
Ischemic colitis
Collagenous colitis
Ulcerative colitis
Rectitis
Diverticulum