Diverticulitis: Physical Examination
Diverticulitis can present with a range of physical findings, mirroring the severity of the inflammation and the presence of complications.
Mild diverticulitis
Left lower quadrant tenderness is the most common physical finding, as most diverticula |
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occur in the sigmoid colon. Right lower quadrant tenderness, mimicking acute appendicitis, can occur in right-sided diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis with abscess formation
Diverticulitis with perforation peritonitis
Diverticulitis with abscess formation
- Tender palpable mass may be felt in the left lower quadrant in case of sigmoid diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis with perforation peritonitis
- Macroperforation with spillage of colonic contents into the peritoneum leads to generalized abdominal pain and peritonitis.
- Generalized tenderness with rebound and guarding will be seen
- Systemic signs of sepsis such as fever, tachycardia, hypotension is seen in cases of macroperforation.