In clinical practice, the abdominal CT scan is usually considered the most helpful and accurate imaging modality for making a diagnosis of diverticulitis because it shows diverticulitis clearly. If someone has abdominal pain that could fit diverticulitis, then a CT scan helps a physician by showing very detailed pictures from multiple cross-sections of the colon and the surrounding tissues- images that neither a blood test nor a physical examination can really give. This blog will tell you just how CT imaging can identify diverticulitis, what results you can expect to see, and what other complications it can also reveal.

Is CT Scan able to detect diverticulitis?

Yes, a CT scan is an accurate way to diagnose diverticulitis. Ideal to use as the first-line imaging modality when diverticulitis is suspected because it images the colon wall, surrounding tissue, and inflammation or complication of the colon in one, non-invasive scan. Imaging for diverticulitis with computed tomography (CT) is readily available, quick and offers a detailed view that allows physicians to confirm the diagnosis, assess the severity and make the best treatment decisions for the patient.

How CT Imaging Identifies Diverticulitis

CT imaging can detect diverticulitis by showing the presence of diverticula (small pouches in the wall of the colon) that are inflamed, fat stranding and thickening of wall tissue around the colon. When these findings are taken together, they create a pattern that trained radiologists recognize to confirm diverticulitis and determine the depth of the colon inflammation.

What will a CT scan show if someone has diverticulitis?

The CT scan shows a set of typical signs of diverticulitis, which is based around the part of the colon affected – usually the sigmoid colon, located in the lower left abdomen. A radiologist interprets the diverticulitis CT results and determines the combination of features that differentiates diverticulitis from other abdominal pain conditions that have similar features.

Common Imaging Findings and Signs of Inflammation

• Thickened colon wall — thickened walls of the affected bowel segment are seen on the CT image, which suggests that the inflammation is continuing through the layers of the colon wall in the area of the inflamed diverticulum.
• Pericolic fat stranding—a hazy, streaky appearance of the fatty tissue surrounding the affected segment of colon is a reliable sign of inflammation extending beyond the bowel wall into adjacent tissue — is a reliable sign of local inflammation spreading beyond the bowel wall into adjacent tissue.
• If diverticula, which are pouches or small bulges along the wall of the colon, are visible on the CT scan of the abdomen, these along with the inflammatory changes can be used to identify that it is diverticulitis and not another disease that is causing the symptoms.

Why is the CT scan often used for diagnosing diverticulitis?

CT scan is the best test for suspected diverticulitis, as it is accurate, fast and can obtain multiple images of the abdomen in one exam. CT is superior to other imaging methods available in terms of the amount of clinically useful information it provides in the shortest time for a patient with acute abdominal symptoms.

Accurate performance and Detailed Imaging and Identifying Complications.

• CT scanning has the highest sensitivity (ability to detect the condition if it is present) and specificity (ability to rule out the condition when it is not present) of all the imaging modalities for diverticulitis.
• When a CT scan of the abdomen is performed, the radiologist will see both the colon and the surrounding organs (the bladder, the small intestine and pelvic structures); if no diverticulitis is seen on the CT scan images, then the radiologist can look for other causes for abdominal pain.
• CT imaging can be done in a hurry in an emergency environment, with immediate actionable CT results for diverticulitis which directly aid in clinical decisions when dealing with a diverticulitis attack.

Is it possible for a CT scan to detect any complications from diverticulitis?

Yes, and one of the most clinically significant functions of a CT scan in a patient with diverticulitis. An abdominal CT scan not only confirms the diagnosis, but also determines if the inflammation has created any complications that demand a more serious and more urgent clinical management approach than uncomplicated diverticulitis.

Diagnosing Abscesses, perforations, fistulas and bowel obstruction.

• Abscess formation — which is characterized by an accumulation of pus next to the inflamed bowel section — is evident on the CT scan as a swollen, fluid-filled pocket.
• Bowel perforation — When the inflamed diverticulum ruptures, free air can be seen around the bowel on an abdominal CT scan; this is a surgical emergency that cannot be treated with just medications and will require immediate surgery to correct the bowel perforation.
• When a diverticulitis scan reveals the presence of fistulous connections (abnormal passageways) between the inflamed colon and other organs, including the bladder and the skin, it is known as fistula formation.
• Bowel obstruction — significant inflammation or scarring may cause the colon to become narrowed enough to cause a partial or complete blockage; dilatation of bowel segments upstream of the obstruction is noted on a full body scan or on a targeted abdominal CT scan.

Patients with recurrent abdominal symptoms or those who would like a more thorough internal evaluation than a targeted scan may be able to receive a whole-body scan or a CT scan service through a ViaScan of Las Colinas office. It is a useful scan for those wanting a more comprehensive overview of their digestive or abdominal health, as the abdominal and pelvic areas are scanned in detail; a full body scan has the benefit of providing a wider overview of the body. These services are awareness-raising, preventive tools that can be used to have an informed discussion with a healthcare provider, but not to replace emergency medical care. Seek professional advice for sudden abdominal symptoms, and consider having an imaging study as a preventive measure for regular health checks.

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Conclusion

A CT scan clearly demonstrates diverticulitis and a major part of the role of a CT is to confirm the diagnosis, determine the severity of diverticulitis and to detect complications that require an alteration in clinical management. If abdominal pain is a concern, the next step is the most reliable, a CT scan. For those dedicated to understanding their internal health in a proactive and accurate way, ViaScan of Las Colinas offers professional CT scan and whole-body scan services.