Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula, small pouches that form in the wall of the colon, become inflamed or infected. While CT is the most commonly used imaging test for diverticulitis, ultrasound can be useful in certain populations, particularly when radiation exposure is a concern. On ultrasound, findings suggestive of diverticulitis include thickening of the colonic wall, an inflamed diverticulum visible as an echogenic, non-compressible outpouching, surrounding fat inflammation appearing as hyperechoic tissue, and sometimes an associated abscess or free fluid. Ultrasound may be particularly useful as a first-line study in lean patients and in situations where CT is not readily available.
Sonography Term