Diverticulitis is inflammation of a diverticulum, usually of the large colon.

Contents

1 Incidence 2 Causes 3 Presentation 4 Diagnosis 5 Lab findings 6 Treatment 7 Complications

Incidence

10-25% patients with diverticula develop disease. Recurrence is over 50% and increases with age.

Causes

Mechanical blockage of diverticula causing infection of the diverticulum.

Presentation

It usually presents as abdominal pain associated with diarrhea. Sometimes, there is a history of bloody diarrhea.

Diagnosis

Mostly diagnosed by physical exam. Diverticulitis should be suspected in more elderly patients with a history of chronic constipation. The diagnosis is confirmed with radiologic imaging or colonoscopy.

Lab findings

• leukocytosis

Treatment

Treatment will range from conservative management with medications to surgical resection of the affected bowel, depending on the severity of the disease.

Complications

• bleeding
• strictures