Evidence of diverticular inflammation (fever, tachycardia) with or without localised symptoms and signs

Aetiology

• Inflammation is caused by micro-perforation of a diverticulum

Clinical features

Symptoms

• Lower abdominal pain, classically left iliac fossa
• Associated diarrhoea +/- PR bleeding
• Malaise, fever

Signs

• Palpable mass
• Abdominal distension
• Tachycardia

Investigations

• CT
• Bloods: elevated CRP

Management

Simple diverticulitis

• Fluids (oral or IV)
• Antibiotics (oral)

Complicated diverticulitis - associated abscess formation, fistula, obstruction, frank perforation