Clinical QuickieLiver/GI
Diverticulitis
Uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis are different problems.
Start with the clinical pattern
LLQ abdominal pain, bowel change, fever, and focal tenderness can fit diverticulitis, but urinary, gynecologic, ischemic, and malignant mimics matter.
Imaging answers the complication question
CT can confirm uncertain diagnoses and identify abscess, perforation, obstruction, or fistula when the presentation warrants imaging.
Antibiotics are not automatic for every mild uncomplicated case
Selected immunocompetent patients with mild uncomplicated disease may be managed without routine antibiotics depending on clinical context and guideline pathway.
Disposition follows severity
Inability to tolerate intake, systemic toxicity, immunocompromise, uncontrolled pain, or complicated disease shifts management.
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