Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis means the colon has small outpouchings called diverticula. It is common, especially with age, and may be found incidentally on CT. The word diverticulosis alone does not mean infection or inflammation.

Also seen as: colonic diverticulosis, diverticular disease.

If you are trying to place this wording inside the bigger picture of your report, start with the radiology findings hub and then compare it with the related symptom and report phrase pages below.

This term becomes more or less important depending on its size, location, severity, associated symptoms, and whether it is new compared with earlier imaging. Radiologists usually expect the finding to be read alongside the rest of the report instead of in isolation.

Diverticulosis is a very common age-related abdominal finding.

• Age-related structural change in the colon wall
• Chronic pressure-related change
• Dietary and bowel habit factors
• Background diverticular disease without active inflammation

• The report describes diverticulitis, abscess, perforation, or surrounding inflammation
• There is fever or focal lower abdominal tenderness
• Symptoms and labs suggest active infection or complication

• Diverticulosis alone usually needs no imaging follow-up
• Active diverticulitis is managed differently from incidental diverticulosis
• Doctors focus on whether inflammation is present

A radiology finding name can sound more definite than it really is. Many findings describe an imaging pattern, not a final diagnosis, and many turn out to be less urgent once doctors match the wording with your symptoms, exam, and any earlier studies.

• Scattered colonic diverticulosis without diverticulitis.

  See phrase explanation

• Sigmoid diverticulosis noted incidentally.

  See phrase explanation

Educational information only. Always consult your clinician for medical advice.

This page is educational only and should be used to understand report language, not to diagnose a condition or replace clinician review.