Sonographic Features of Acute Sigmoid Diverticulitis Detected During Pelvic Pain Evaluation

Acute diverticulitis, which arises from inflammation of a colonic diverticulum, is a prevalent cause of acute abdominal pain and hospitalization in developed countries. Although most cases respond to conservative treatment, serious complications such as perforation and formation of large abscesses and fistulas can arise, which would require urgent intervention. In the United States, computed tomography (CT) is the diagnostic standard, offering sensitivity and specificity >95%, but ultrasound has also proven effective in identifying uncomplicated cases of diverticulitis.