Questions in the Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum have been answered by Dr. Kevin Pho who is board certified in Internal Medicine and by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: Diverticulitis

Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic: Diverticulitis


I was recently hospitalized for suspected diverticulitis
(WBC 15,000, temp 39.3, left abdominal cramping & pain). I'm
aged 36. I received IV Flagyl & Cipro and started to feel
somewhat better after 4-5 days. An ultrasound and cat scan did
not show much except hydrosalpinx. My doctor says this is
not all that uncommon for the ultrasound to show nothing (unless
there is an abscess). The gynecologist suspects there was a
rupture which infected the left fallopian tube (she ruled out STD
since I am not sexually active). Can this happen? Now I am
quite concerned that the infection could spread to the right
fallopian tube. Am I justified to be concerned?

Since discharge, I have been on oral Cipro & Flagyl, but the
symptoms that put me into hospital are returning. I've seen
my doctor who has ordered a barium enema and repeat blood work,
but I'm continuing to experience painful abdominal cramping,
ribbon-like stool, anorexia & nausea. Is diverticulitis a hard
infection to shake?

Sorry for the long story - I appreciate your input!!

Dear BJ,
Diverticulitis can be undetected by ultrasound study. A CT scan shpuld show changes in the border of the colon. In general, the right fallopian tube should not be involved by diverticulitis because this inflammationm is usually in the left colon.

Because of your young age, investigations are needed to confirm the diagnosis of diverticulosis. When you are feeling better, a flwexib;e sigmoidoscopy should be done.

This information is presented for educational purposes. Ask specific questions to your personal physician.

HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: diverticulitis
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