Differential Diagnosis for Suspected Diverticulitis
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Diverticulitis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the suspicion of diverticulitis. Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula in the wall of the colon become inflamed, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits. The diagnosis is often made based on clinical presentation and confirmed with imaging studies like CT scans.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS can present with similar symptoms to diverticulitis, including abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. However, IBS typically does not cause fever or significant weight loss.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, similar to diverticulitis. However, IBD often has a more chronic course and may be associated with blood in the stool.
- Gastroenteritis: Viral or bacterial gastroenteritis can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever, similar to diverticulitis. However, gastroenteritis typically resolves on its own within a few days.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Appendicitis: Appendicitis can present with similar symptoms to diverticulitis, including abdominal pain and fever. However, appendicitis typically causes more severe pain and tenderness in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. Missing this diagnosis can lead to perforation and peritonitis.
- Colon Cancer: Colon cancer can cause abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and weight loss, similar to diverticulitis. However, colon cancer typically has a more gradual onset and may be associated with blood in the stool.
- Ovarian Torsion: Ovarian torsion can cause severe abdominal pain and fever, similar to diverticulitis. However, ovarian torsion typically occurs in women and is associated with pelvic pain and tenderness.
- Rare diagnoses
- Epiploic Appendagitis: Epiploic appendagitis is a rare condition in which a small piece of fat attached to the colon becomes inflamed, causing abdominal pain and fever. This condition is often mistaken for diverticulitis or appendicitis.
- Mesenteric Panniculitis: Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare condition in which the fat in the mesentery (the tissue that attaches the intestines to the back of the abdominal wall) becomes inflamed, causing abdominal pain and fever.
- Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome: Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a rare condition in which a single ulcer forms in the rectum, causing abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and changes in bowel habits.