Diverticula in the digestive tract and their complications

This review concerns diverticula in different parts of the digestive tract (oesophagus, stomach, duoudenum, jejunum, ileum (including Meckel" diverticulum), and large intestine). Their origin, pathogenesis, and frequency are discussed, different forms of diverticula and diverticulosis are described with reference to major complications (diverticulitis, peridiverticulitis, ulceration, bleeding, perforation, obstruction, abscess, peritonitis, fistulas, etc.). Methods of clinical, instrumental and laboratory diagnostics and their informative value are considered along with indications and contraindications for surgical treatment. A new classification of diverticula and their complications is proposed. Debatable terminological problems are discussed.     

Sonographic features of mesenteric gas.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the sonographic appearance of air in the mesentery of the small bowel. METHODS: Sonography was performed with convex and linear array transducers in 2 patients with acute abdomen. RESULTS: In 1 patient, sonography revealed fluid and air in the peritoneal cavity. A thick-walled small-bowel loop with a thick echogenic mesentery was seen. Air was seen in the mesentery as linear bright echoes with acoustic shadowing. An uncomplicated diverticulum was seen. In the second patient, air was seen in the thick and echogenic mesentery of a thick-walled small bowel. An inflamed diverticulum was also seen. CONCLUSIONS: Sonographic features of mesenteric air due to perforated diverticulitis of the jejunum are described.     

Computed tomography evaluation of diverticulitis

Acute diverticulitis is a frequent and important diagnosis in gastrointestinal disease, most commonly involving the colon. It is estimated that approximately 15% to 30% of patients with diverticulosis develop symptomatic diverticulitis at some point in the natural history of the condition, often requiring medical and/or surgical therapy. The clinical diagnosis is often difficult to make, and several radiological studies have been used over the past decades to assist in the diagnosis of acute diverticulitis. These include barium enema, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT). A number of studies over the past decade have shown CT to be the preferable initial examination because of its ability to demonstrate not only the extent of intramural inflammation but also the degree of pericolic disease, including intraperitoneal inflammation, perforation, and abscess formation. Additional benefits of CT imaging include guiding therapeutic interventions in complicated forms of diverticular disease and providing an alternative diagnosis in patients without diverticulitis. The accuracy, techniques, criteria for diagnosis, and staging and applications of CT imaging in acute diverticulitis are discussed.     

Sonographic findings of Zenker diverticula.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the sonographic findings of Zenker diverticula. METHODS: This study included 6 patients (age, 26-70 years; average, 55.3 years). Three cases were detected incidentally by thyroid sonograms, and 3 cases were transferred from other hospitals for aspiration of a thyroid nodule. All the sonograms and medical records were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: All 6 patients had no symptoms, and diverticula were incidentally detected by neck sonography. The masses were located on the posterolateral aspect of the left lobe in 5 patients and the right lobe in the remaining patient. All lesions were located in the upper and mid portions of the thyroid glands and showed echogenic foci similar to those of a microcalcification or an arc-shaped microcalcification. The sonographic findings of a Zenker diverticulum were seen as an isoechoic or a hypoechoic mass with internal or peripheral echogenic foci and a boundary hypoechoic zone at the posterior portion of the thyroid gland on sonography. All lesions appeared connected with the adjacent esophageal wall on sonography. In all cases, diagnoses were confirmed by esophagography. CONCLUSIONS: Zenker diverticula had several unique characteristics on sonography. We can, therefore, diagnose Zenker diverticula by careful thyroid sonography, avoiding unnecessary aspiration due to misdiagnosis of a Zenker diverticulum as a thyroid nodule.     

Jejunal diverticulosis: sonographic diagnosis

We report the sonographic appearance of jejunal diverticulosis in 4 cases. Jejunal diverticula appear as multiple peri-intestinal hypoechoic structures on sonographic examination. Many diverticula show communication with the bowel lumen. The diverticular neck formed by the prolapsed mucosal and submucosal layers can be seen as a parallel, echogenic structure traversing the bowel wall. Most diverticula also contain echogenic debris and air-related artifacts. Because jejunal diverticula may be encountered during a sonographic examination, sonologists should be aware of their sonographic appearance to prevent diagnostic errors.     

Sonographic features of acute colonic diverticulitis: the "dome sign"

PURPOSE: This study was performed to clarify the sonographic features of acute colonic diverticulitis to enable its differentiation from appendicitis. METHODS: Of 119 patients who were referred to our hospitals for lower abdominal pain between June 1997 and December 1998 and underwent sonography, 12 patients had a definitive diagnosis of acute colonic diverticulitis and 4 patients a tentative diagnosis. Seventy-eight patients were diagnosed as having acute appendicitis, confirmed by appendectomy. In the 16 patients with diagnoses of diverticulitis, the sonographic and clinical features of acute colonic diverticulitis were studied. RESULTS: Among the 12 patients with definitive diagnoses of acute colonic diverticulitis, sonographic findings included localized thickening of the colonic wall (100%) and a hemispheric mass (the "dome sign") protruding at the thickened colonic wall (100%) and consisting of a hypoechoic wall (100%) and a central echogenic area (66%). The presence of diverticula was confirmed by barium-enema x-ray study in all 12 patients. The 4 patients with tentative diagnoses of acute colonic diverticulitis all had colonic wall thickening but no dome sign. Colonoscopy revealed colitis in 3 of these patients. All 16 patients recovered with conservative treatment, without laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Sonography was useful for differentiating acute colonic diverticulitis from appendicitis. The sonographic finding of the dome sign seems to be specific for acute colonic diverticulitis.     

Sonography of colonic diverticulitis

Sonographic findings in 16 patients with diverticulitis of the colon are described. The wall of the inflamed segment of the colon appeared hypoechoic and thickened. Maximum thickness of the wall ranged from 5 to 17 mm. Length of the most severely inflamed segment of the colon ranged from 6 to 9 cm. In addition, adjacent contiguous segments of the colon, less involved with inflammation, ranging in length from 7 to 15 cm, were demonstrated on sonographic examination of five patients. Long segments of the inflamed colon could be demonstrated by oblique scanning. The appearance of the mucosal reflections, intramural abscesses, and inflamed diverticula is described. Out of 16 patients with diverticulitis, seven patients had abscesses and extravasation of barium was seen in only two of these seven patients. Ultrasonography therefore is recommended prior to barium or water-soluble contrast enema examination in patients with suspected diverticulitis. In patients with appropriate clinical findings, sonographic diagnosis of diverticulitis can be made by demonstrating hypoechoic thickening of the wall of the colon, even in the absence of intramural or intraperitoneal abscess.     

Colonic diverticular haemorrhage is associated with atherosclerosis

Sir, Colonic diverticulosis occurs in the majority of Western populations,but only a small proportion of people experience symptoms. Diverticulardisease usually presents with either diverticulitis or haemorrhage.Bleeding from colonic diverticulum     

Rectal diverticulosis: A case report and review of the literature

The occurrence of rectal diverticulosis is rare. We report the incidental finding of a large rectal diverticulum in a patient receiving an air-contrast barium enema. The presence of uncomplicated rectal diverticulosis is probably of little clinical significance. However, there can be associated complications such as inflammation and perforation, and potential confusion with rectal carcinoma.     

Can sonography diagnose acute colonic diverticulitis in patients with acute intestinal inflammation? A prospective study

In a prospective study of 123 patients with clinical signs of acute intestinal inflammation, the sensitivity of ultrasonography in diagnosing acute colonic diverticulitis was 84.6% and the specificity 80.3%. The predictive value of a positive and a negative sonogram was 76.0% and 87.7%, respectively. Of the 52 patients with subsequently proven acute colonic diverticulitis, 44 presented sonographically with a thickened (greater than 4 mm) hypoechoic bowel wall. In 15 patients, enlarged fluid-filled bowel loops were also present. Air-containing diverticula were demonstrated in 3 patients, abscesses in 8 patients, and colovesical fistulae in 2 patients. Eight large abscesses were successfully treated without emergency surgery by percutaneous sonographically guided evacuation. The described sonographic abnormalities strongly suggest acute colonic diverticulitis, particularly when localized in the left lower abdomen.     

Meckel diverticulum: ten-year experience in adults

OBJECTIVES: Meckel diverticulum, a congenital gastrointestinal anomaly, is well studied in pediatrics, but less so in the adult population. At the Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC), in addition to the removal of Meckel diverticula in symptomatic patients, diverticula are commonly removed when found incidentally during other procedures. We present our experience over the past ten years with this condition, unusual in the adult population. METHODS: From 1992 to 2002 at the Charleston Area Medical Center, Meckel diverticula were removed from 47 patients older than 18 years of age. We reviewed the age, sex, indication for removal, pathologic findings, and perioperative complications of these cases. RESULTS: Diverticula were removed most often from female patients (31 female, 66%; 16 male, 34%). The removal of the diverticulum was incidental in 35 patients (74.5%) and symptomatic in 12 (25.5% percent). Symptomatic patients presented with: obstruction (n = 4), acute bleeding (n = 1) and diverticulitis (n = 7). Female patients were significantly less likely than male patients to be symptomatic (4 of 31, 13% among females, and 8 of 16, 50% among males; P < 0.05). Heterotopic mucosa was identified in six patients, two of whom were symptomatic at the time of removal. Gastric mucosa was found in all six of the diverticula with ectopic mucosa, although one of the six had a mixed gastric and pancreatic cell population. One asymptomatic patient had a malignancy identified as a 1.5 cm carcinoid with no evidence of metastatic disease. An adenomyoma was found incidentally in one patient upon pathologic evaluation. Hospital complications that could possibly be attributed to removal of diverticula included two wound infections and two anastomotic leaks requiring exploration (8.5% morbidity). Complications were experienced by two asymptomatic females, one asymptomatic male, and a symptomatic male. There were no mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: Meckel diverticulum is found infrequently in the adult population. Adults rarely become symptomatic, but symptoms that do arise are associated with significant morbidity. Complications directly attributable to diverticulum removal are uncommon; however, those that do occur are often life threatening. Therefore, incidental removal of asymptomatic diverticula, particularly in women, is not recommended.     

Perforated jejunal ulcer associated with gastric mucosa in a jejunal diverticulum

Jejunal diverticula are rare and subsequent complications even more so. The usual small bowel diverticulum encountered by general surgeons is a Meckel’s. These are embryological remnants of the vitello-intestinal duct and are on the anti-mesenteric surface of the terminal ileum. They may contain heterotopic gastric or pancreatic mucosa. Herein we explore the case of a young girl who presented with features of peritonitis secondary to a complication from a jejunal diverticulum. The case, pathology, complications and treatment of jejunal diverticulosis and heterotopic gastric mucosa in the jejunum are explored.     

Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of colonic diverticulitis.

A patient over 40 years of age who complains of lower abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea or both, and increased flatulence should be suspected of having diverticulosis. When pain becomes more severe and persistent, diverticulitis must be considered. Diagnosis depends on roentgen demonstration of the presence of diverticula. Sigmoidoscopy and barium enema study are essential to exclude coexisting disease but in diverticulitis may need to be postponed until severe local and systemic signs of inflammation have subsided. A number of diseases can simulate diverticulitis, and differential diagnosis may present considerable difficulty. Irritable colon syndrome and acute appendicitis may be indistinguishable clinically from diverticulitis. Differentiation from carcinoma is usually not difficult, but exclusion of coexistent carcinoma may be impossible except by resection. Ulcerative colitis is also easily distinguished except when, rarely, it coexists. Crohn's disease of the colon is less easily differentiated, especially in patients over 40, in whom the two diseases often coexist. Other colonic diseases, such as ischemic colitis, and pelvic inflammatory diseases usually show characteristic features which make them readily distinguishable from diverticulitis.     

Diverticular disease: diagnosis and treatment

Diverticular disease refers to symptomatic and asymptomatic disease with an underlying pathology of colonic diverticula. Predisposing factors for the formation of diverticula include a low-fiber diet and physical inactivity. Approximately 85 percent of patients with diverticula are believed to remain asymptomatic. Symptomatic disease without inflammation is a diagnosis of exclusion requiring colonoscopy because imaging studies cannot discern the significance of diverticula. Fiber supplementation may prevent progression to symptomatic disease or improve symptoms in patients without inflammation. Computed tomography is recommended for diagnosis when inflammation is present. Antibiotic therapy aimed at anaerobes and gram-negative rods is first-line treatment for diverticulitis. Whether treatment is administered on an inpatient or outpatient basis is determined by the clinical status of the patient and his or her ability to tolerate oral intake. Surgical consultation is indicated for disease that does not respond to medical management or for repeated attacks that may be less likely to respond to medical therapy and have a higher mortality rate. Prompt surgical consultation also should be obtained when there is evidence of abscess formation, fistula formation, obstruction, or free perforation.     

Colonic diverticula. When complications require surgery and when they don't.

The value of a high-fiber diet in preventing and treating colonic diverticula is firmly established. Although the diagnosis of diverticulosis is usually made with colonoscopy or barium enema examination, computed tomography has become the test of choice during acute diverticulitis, when the diagnosis cannot be confidently made clinically. Recently developed surgical principles for diverticulitis include radiographically directed drainage with delayed operation for peridiverticular abscess, resection of the site of disease in patients with general peritonitis, and primary anastomosis in most cases requiring urgent intervention. Diverticulosis accompanied by abdominal pain or irregular bowel habits is by itself rarely an indication for surgery. Diverticular bleeding usually resolves spontaneously, but persistent bleeding can usually be successfully treated with segmental colectomy after localization of the bleeding site with colonoscopy or arteriography.     

多层螺旋CT在结肠憩室炎诊断中的价值

目的：分析结肠憩室炎MSCT表现,以提高对该病的认识和诊断水平。方法回顾性分析11例经结肠镜检或手术病理证实结肠憩室炎病例的临床及MSCT资料,并结合文献复习。所有病例均作腹盆部CT平扫检查,其中2例加作CT增强检查,总结结肠憩室炎的MSCT表现特征。结果 CT表现为结肠肠壁囊袋状突出并周围脂肪密度增高10例,其中憩室内粪石7例,仅表现为肠壁周围脂肪密度增高及气腹征者1例,结肠肠壁增厚9例,憩室炎穿孔5例,其中气腹3例,合并出血1例。结论 MSCT能较好的显示结肠憩室炎病变及其并发症,对结肠憩室炎有较高的诊断价值。     

Clinical outcomes of laparoscopic colonic resection for diverticular disease in Japanese patients

Introduction: Indications for laparoscopic surgery for colonic diverticular disease have not been established in Japan despite this being a relatively common disease. We studied surgical outcomes of laparoscopic colon resection (LCR) versus open colon resection (OCR) for diverticular disease. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed surgical outcomes of 21 patients with colonic diverticulitis. Results: Of these 21 patients, 11 underwent OCR, and 10 underwent LCR. There were no differences in age, sex, and BMI between the groups. Diverticulitis in the LCR group, compared to the OCR group, was characterized as being of the uncomplicated type with a right‐side location (P<0.01). Volume of blood loss and duration of postoperative hospital stay were less in the LCR group than in the OCR group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in operative times, duration to start of solid food intake, and rate of postoperative complications. Conclusion: These results suggest that LCR for diverticulitis can be performed safely and less invasively without increased morbidity for uncomplicated diverticulitis. Further studies will be needed to determine the benefits of LCR for complicated diverticulitis.     

Typical sonographic appearance of duodenal diverticulum

During routine transabdominal ultrasonography of the hepatobiliary tract an occasional persistent bright linear or concave echo was detected that disrupted the normal images we routinely obtained of the pancreatic head. We began to suspect this echo to be the sonographic representation of a duodenal diverticulum. To confirm our suspicions we performed a prospective study. Over a 20 month period, 30 consecutive patients with a sonographically suspected duodenal diverticulum were followed up with either an upper gastrointestinal series, gastroscopy, or, depending on the patient's clinical symptoms, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography. One patient was examined with simultaneous fluoroscopy and ultrasonography. The results of these examinations were then compared to the respective ultrasonograms by a qualified radiologist and sonographer. The suspected duodenal diverticulum, detected primarily with ultrasonography, was confirmed with follow-up examinations in all 30 patients. The persistent echo detected sonographically had the same anatomic position as the diverticulum seen during fluoroscopy. We concluded that duodenal diverticulum located near the pancreatic head has a rather typical sonographic appearance.     

Sonographic features of acute colonic diverticulitis

Acute colonic diverticulitis is a common cause of acute abdominal symptoms, especially in elderly patients. Sonography is frequently used as the initial imaging modality because of its ready availability. This pictorial essay aims to provide an overview of the sonographic features of acute colonic diverticulitis and of the more common differential diagnosis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2009     

Right colonic diverticulitis: MR appearance

Background: We evaluated the magnetic resonance (MR) features of right colonic diverticulitis. Methods: This prospective study was based on five patients selected from a group of 156 patients admitted to the radiology department for further evaluation because of clinically suspected appendicitis. All five patients had ultrasound (US) and MR studies, and four patients also had computed tomography (CT). Results: In all five patients, right-side diverticulitis was seen as an outpouching of the right colon with associated circumferential wall thickening of the colon and surrounding inflammatory changes. Conclusions: Our results suggest that MR imaging can be useful in the diagnosis of right colonic diverticulitis. An inflamed diverticulum with adjacent colonic wall thickening and surrounding inflamed fat are characteristic MR signs. MR imaging can be a valuable alternative to CT in young or pregnant patients who have suspected appendicitis and an equivocal US result.