Arnd-Oliver Schäfer1. 1. Klinik für Radiologie, Städtisches Klinikum St. Georg Leipzig, Delitzscher Str. 141, 04129, Leipzig, Deutschland. arnd-oliver.schaefer@sanktgeorg.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diverticular disease frequently leads to emergency admissions. Clinical parameters are not sufficiently accurate to determine the extent of acute colonic diverticulitis, thus a quick, reproducible and valid diagnostic imaging procedure is required. OBJECTIVE: In the following, the imaging methods commonly used for the diagnostic work-up and staging of diverticulitis are presented and classified in the context of the data situation and clinical reality. RESULTS: Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is the current diagnostic gold standard for the imaging evaluation of diverticulitis and the basis for guideline-conform treatment decisions according to the classification of diverticular disease (CDD). DISCUSSION: The role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of diverticulitis will have to be investigated but a more profound integration of this method can already be predicted. Point-of-care ultrasound for initial diagnosis and follow-up assessment will become more important, analogous to FAST in trauma patients.
BACKGROUND: Diverticular disease frequently leads to emergency admissions. Clinical parameters are not sufficiently accurate to determine the extent of acute colonic diverticulitis, thus a quick, reproducible and valid diagnostic imaging procedure is required. OBJECTIVE: In the following, the imaging methods commonly used for the diagnostic work-up and staging of diverticulitis are presented and classified in the context of the data situation and clinical reality. RESULTS: Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is the current diagnostic gold standard for the imaging evaluation of diverticulitis and the basis for guideline-conform treatment decisions according to the classification of diverticular disease (CDD). DISCUSSION: The role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of diverticulitis will have to be investigated but a more profound integration of this method can already be predicted. Point-of-care ultrasound for initial diagnosis and follow-up assessment will become more important, analogous to FAST in trauma patients.
Authors: K Nielsen; M C Richir; T T Stolk; T van der Ploeg; G R H M Moormann; B M Wiarda; W H Schreurs Journal: World J Surg Date: 2014-07 Impact factor: 3.352