Medical Illustrations

Diverticulosis is a condition where patients have defects or pockets (diverticuli) in the colon wall. These defects are more common as we age. Tests such as a barium enema, a colonoscopy, or a CT scan can help visualize the pockets in the colon and confirm the diagnosis. Diverticuli that are inflamed or infected, cause the painful condition of diverticulitis. Ruptured diverticulits can cause a diverticular abscess or bleeding.