ULTRASOUND IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE COLONIC DIVERTICULITIS

Ultrasonographic findings in two patients with acute diverticulitis of the left colon are described. Echographic identification of diverticula and thickened (>4 mm) hypoechoic bowel wall were common findings. The final diagnosis was confirmed by contrast enema and colonoscopy. Patients had clinical signs and symptons of acute diverticulitis. Diverticula were visualized as echogenic shadowing foci in thickened bowel wall (1 case) or as outpouches of the intestinal wall in the pericolonic soft tissues (1 case). One patient had edema of the pericolic fat. Additional studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of ultrasounds in the diagnosis of colonic diverticulitis.