<unk>  in the left lower quadrant as seen on axial view by a CT scan (the abnormality is within the circled area)<unk>  on a CT scan in a coronal view<unk>  showing acute purulent inflammation extending into the subserosal adipose tissue People with the above symptoms are commonly studied with computed tomography, or a CT scan. Ultrasound can provide preliminary investigation for<unk> . Amongst the findings that can be seen on ultrasound is non-compressing outpouching of bowel wall, hypoechoic and thickened wall, or there is obstructive fecalith at the bowel wall. Besides, bowel wall oedema with adjacent hyperechoic mesentery can also be seen on ultrasound. However, CT scan is the mainstay of diagnosing<unk>  and its complications. The diagnosis of acute<unk>  is made confidently when the involved segment contains diverticula. CT images reveal localized colon wall thickening, with inflammation extending into the fat surrounding the colon. Amongst the complications that can be seen on CT scan are: abscesses, perforation, pylephlebitis, intestinal obstruction, bleeding, and fistula. Barium enema and colonoscopy are contraindicated in the acute phase of<unk>  because of the risk of perforation. Classification by severity Four classifications by severity have been published recently in the literature. The most recent and widely accepted is as follows: *Stage 0 – asymptomatic diverticulosis *Stage 1a – uncomplicated<unk>  *Stage 1b –<unk>  with phlegmonous peridiverticulitis *Stage 2a –<unk>  with concealed perforation, and abscess with a diameter of one centimeter or less *Stage 2b –<unk>  with abscess greater than one centimeter *Stage 3a –<unk>  with symptoms but without complications *Stage 3b – relapsing<unk>  without complications *Stage 3c – relapsing<unk>  with complications The severity of<unk>  can be radiographically graded by the Hinchey Classification. Differential diagnoses The differential diagnoses include colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as a number of urological and gynecological processes. In those with uncomplicated<unk> , cancer is present in less than 1% of people.
Diverticulitis
Irritable bowel syndrome
Ischemic colitis
Segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis
Appendicitis
Diversion colitis
Proctocolitis
Gastroenterocolitis