Gecompliceerde diverticulitis van de dunne darm

Background

Diverticula do not only occur in the colon but also in the small intestine albeit less frequently. Small intestine diverticula are usually asymptomatic. Acute complications, such as intestinal obstruction, bleeding or diverticulitis with or without abscess or perforation, are rare.

Case description

An 85-year-old male presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain since two weeks and a palpable mass in the upper left abdomen. Laboratory tests revealed significantly elevated infection parameters. Computed tomography imaging of the abdomen revealed ileus of the small intestine as well as a small bowel faeces sign and wall thickening. Upon laparotomy, we saw there was small intestine diverticulitis and covered perforation. We carried out a partial resection of the small intestine. Patient recovered smoothly and has not had any symptoms since then.

Conclusion

Asymptomatic small intestine diverticula require no treatment, while complicated diverticulitis often requires surgery.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.