Diverticulitis laboratory findings
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Elsaiey, MBBCH [2]
Overview
Diagnosis of diverticulitis starts by recording patient history and performing a physical examination. Laboratory tests are important in excluding other causes of abdominal pain and any other gastrointestinal disease. These laboratory tests include complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), urinalysis, and liver function tests. Imaging studies including CT scan and colonoscopy are also important measures in diagnosing diverticulitis.[1][2]
Laboratory Findings
The initial diagnostic measures for diverticulitis are taking a proper history, doing a physical exam, and performing laboratory tests. Laboratory tests are initially necessary to exclude other gastrointestinal diseases and confirm diverticulitis. These lab tests include the following:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) - elevated due to inflammation
- Complete blood count (CBC)- CBC may show leukocytosis. A normal white blood cell count does not exclude diverticulitis, as most patients suffering from diverticulitis have normal blood cell counts.
- Urinalysis: Urinalysis is performed especially in cases complicated by fistula and may show the following findings:[3]
- Pyuria- In the case of urinary tract infection
- Hematuria- In the case of nephrolithiasis
- Liver function tests- Amylase and lipase levels should be checked to exclude other diseases that cause abdominal pain.
References
- ↑ Rafferty J, Shellito P, Hyman NH, Buie WD, Standards Committee of American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (2006). "Practice parameters for sigmoid diverticulitis". Dis Colon Rectum. 49 (7): 939–44. doi:10.1007/s10350-006-0578-2. PMID 16741596.
- ↑ Käser SA, Fankhauser G, Glauser PM, Toia D, Maurer CA (2010). "Diagnostic value of inflammation markers in predicting perforation in acute sigmoid diverticulitis". World J Surg. 34 (11): 2717–22. doi:10.1007/s00268-010-0726-7. PMID 20645093.
- ↑ HAFNER CD, PONKA JL, BRUSH BE (1962). "Genitourinary manifestations of diverticulitis of the colon. A study of 500 cases". JAMA. 179: 76–8. PMID 13903556.