ULTRASOUND IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE COLO NIC DIVERTICULITIS

Ultrasonographic findings in two patients with acute diverticulitis of the left colon are described. Echographic identification of diverticu la and thickened (>4 mm) hypoechoic bowel wall were common findings. T he final diagnosis was confirmed by contrast enema and colonoscopy. Pa tients had clinical signs and symptons of acute diverticulitis. Divert icula were visualized as echogenic shadowing foci in thickened bowel w all (1 case) or as outpouches of the intestinal wall in the pericoloni c soft tissues (1 case). One patient had edema of the pericolic fat. A dditional studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of ultrasounds in the diagnosis of colonic diverticulitis.