skip to main content

Acute diverticulitis with abscess — SCE Acute Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateAcute GI PresentationsAcute diverticulitis with abscessSCE Acute Medicine

A 71-year-old woman is assessed on the acute medical unit. She has left iliac fossa pain, fever and raised CRP. Examination shows localised guarding and she is immunosuppressed. Initial assessment includes relevant observations, bedside tests and urgent blood results. What is the most appropriate investigation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — CT abdomen and pelvis with contrast

CT abdomen and pelvis with contrast is the best answer because CT assesses complicated diverticulitis including abscess or perforation in higher-risk presentations. Plasma glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate is plausible, but it is less appropriate for the physiology or timing described in this stem. The other distractors either fit a neighbouring presentation, delay definitive treatment, or miss the key immediate risk. Clinical pearl: Clinical diagnosis alone is insufficient when complications are likely.

Reference: NICE NG147