Acquired jejuno-ileal diverticular disease: a diagnostic and management challenge

Variability in the presentation of complicated jejunal diverticulosis

Jejunal diverticulosis is a rare disease which normally presents for the first time with acute complications, often requiring surgical intervention. The diverticulae are acquired, occurring more commonly after middle age, but their aetiology is unclear. We discuss this condition in the context of four cases which presented to our hospital as emergencies over a five year period: small bowel obstruction, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, small bowel volvulus, and visceral perforation. Our aim is to encourage clinicians to include jejunal diverticular disease as a differential diagnosis in patients with abdominal symptoms.

Whole jejunoileal diverticulosis with recurrent inflammation and perforation: A case report

Introduction

Jejunoileal diverticulitis is uncommon and poorly understood. We report a case of whole jejunoileal diverticulosis with recurrent inflammation and perforation.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old man with hemodialysis presented with fever and abdominal pain. The patient had a medical history of twice having jejunoileal diverticulitis. Serum testing indicated a white blood cell count of 15,670/μL and a C-reactive protein level of 10.31 mg/dL. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed jejunoileal diverticulosis with the concomitant mesenteric fat opacity and a 60-mm × 45-mm mass lesion containing extraluminal air bubbles. Jejunoileal partial resection was performed. Multiple diverticulosis was recognized over the entire jejunoileum, and the pouches existed along entry points of the bowel vascular supply through the mesentery. Intestinal resection was limited to the intestinal loop associated with complicated diverticulitis with abscess. Macroscopic examination revealed multiple jejunoileal diverticulosis. In the reddened mucosa, the diverticulitis and mesenteric perforation were recognized. Microscopic examination showed protrusion of mucosal and submucosal layers through a defect in the muscular layer with gangrenous inflammation. These findings supported a diagnosis of jejunoileal diverticulitis with perforation and abscess. The patient had no postoperative complications and no recurrence within 6 months.

Discussion

Treatment for jejunoileal diverticulitis should be individualized for each patient according to their degree of inflammation, recurrence, and the patient's background.

Conclusion

Extensive diverticulosis over the entire jejunoileum is very rare. In this case, the section of the inflamed diverticulosis can be distinguished and resected to avoid a short-bowel syndrome, which should lead to an uneventful postoperative course.

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Jejunoileal diverticulitis is uncommon in clinical practice and poorly understood.

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Multiple diverticula were recognized over the entire jejunoileum in our case.

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Treatment for jejunoileal diverticulitis should be individualized for each patient.

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The section involving only the inflamed diverticulosis should be resected to avoid a short-bowel.

Perforated jejunal diverticula in a young woman: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Small bowel diverticulosis is a rare condition. It usually remains asymptomatic and undiscovered, until potentially severe complications such as diverticulitis or even perforation occur. We present an unusual case and discuss the pathophysiology, diagnostics strategies, and possible surgical intervention.

CASE PRESENTATION

A young woman was referred to our emergency department suffering from acute abdominal pain. A computed tomography scan showed signs of small bowel perforation of unknown origin. Exploratory laparotomy revealed multiple perforated jejunal diverticula (JD). The patient underwent segmental resection of the affected jejunum followed by primary anastomosis. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of perforated JD.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to its rarity and variable clinical presentation, it can sometimes be challenging to diagnose this potentially life-threatening condition. If the bowel is suspected from perforation; segmental resection is the treatment of choice, preferably followed by direct restoration of the bowel continuity.

A Case of Perforated Jejunal Diverticulum: An Unexpected Cause of Pneumoperitoneum in a Patient Presenting with an Acute Abdomen

Patient: Female, 74

Final Diagnosis: Perforated jejunal diverticulum

Symptoms: Abdominal pain • Nauseas • Vomits

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Surgery

A rare presentation of an acute abdomen: an ileal diverticular perforation

Background

This case report highlights the value of prompt intervention of diagnostic laparoscopy in a patient suspects of having an acute abdomen due to an intestinal perforation, where there is a limitation of performing Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography of abdomen. A previously healthy young adult presenting with an acute abdomen due to a spontaneous ileal perforation, without any associated risk factors is a rare clinical entity in a developing country. Therefore, entertaining an early diagnosis will possibly prevent a fatal consequence.

Case presentation

A male patient, 29 years old, recently diagnosed as a young hypertensive without any associated factors, currently on antihypertensive treatment, was admitted to our hospital presenting with an acute severe abdominal pain. During initial assessment, the patient was febrile (101 °F), ill looking, tachycardic (pulse rate 121 bpm) with rapid shallow breathing. Abdominal examination reviled diffuse guarding and rigidity, more severe on right iliac fossa. Following history and clinical examination probable clinical diagnosis was made as an acute appendicitis with perforation. However, ultrasonography was found to have normal appendix. Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography was not performed as a subsequent investigation because of the impairment of renal functions of this patient. Though, non-contrast CT would have been ascertained more diagnostic yield, given the critically ill status of this patient we decided to perform urgent diagnostic laparoscopy. It reviled pus in several abdominal cavities and dense adhesions. Therefore, the procedure was converted to a laparotomy and found to have an ileal perforation with diffuse peritoneal contamination. Diseased ileal segment was resected and anastomosed. Followed by peritoneal lavage.

Conclusion

Ileal perforation due to diverticular disease in a healthy young adult is rare. This case report highlights the importance of considering this clinical entity as a differential diagnosis, the value of early diagnostic laparoscopy, especially in clinical settings with limitations to CT scan, since late diagnosis can give rise to fatal outcome.

Small bowel diverticulitis: an imaging review of an uncommon entity

In this review, we discuss the clinical and radiologic findings of small bowel diverticulosis, which is infrequently encountered during practice and far less common than colonic diverticulosis. Small bowel diverticulosis can present with a range of emergent symptomatic complications including diverticulitis, perforation, or hemorrhage. Here, we focus on the clinical features, pathogenesis, radiologic findings, and treatment of small bowel diverticulitis. Although not routinely considered in the differential diagnosis of an acute abdomen, prospective radiologic diagnosis of small bowel diverticulitis is important and can lead to conservative treatment thus preventing unnecessary exploratory laparotomy.

A Retrospective, Unicentric Evaluation of Complicated Diverticulosis Jejuni: Symptoms, Treatment, and Postoperative Course

Background

In contrast to the diverticulosis of the colon, jejunal diverticulosis is a rare condition. The incidence is 0.06–5% in large autopsy series. Complicated diverticulosis jejuni (CDJ) often presents with unspecific symptoms. Therefore, diagnosis is often a challenging process and due to the clinical rarity generally valid recommendation of perioperative management does not exist.

Patients and methods

We considered only patients who were operated in our center between April 2007 and August 2014. Patients were identified by data bank search via International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems diagnosis code K57.10. Data were manually screened, and patients with Meckel’s and duodenal diverticula were excluded from this study. Eleven consecutive patients with CDJ were finally included in this study. We analyzed symptoms, diagnostic procedures, surgical treatment, and postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Results

The median age of our patients was 76 years (range: 34–87). CDJ presented most frequently as intestinal bleeding or as diverticulitis. Clinical symptoms were unspecific abdominal pain, hematemesis or melena, ileus, nausea, and emesis as well as patients with acute abdomen. Esophagogastroduodenoscopies confirmed CDJ in two of the three patients. An abdominal computed tomography scan only helped to diagnose CDJ in two of the 10 patients. Eight (72.7%) patients received an open segmental resection with primary anastomosis. In three (27.3%) cases, a reoperation was necessary. Overall morbidity rate was 45.5%, and perioperative mortality was 9.1%.

Conclusion

Due to the acute character of the disease, patients with CDJ are seriously ill. To diagnose patients with CDJ remains challenging as diagnostic investigations are usually not helpful in confirming the diagnosis. Still, diagnosis of CDJ is most frequently confirmed intraoperatively.

Jejuno-ileal diverticulitis: Etiopathogenicity, diagnosis and management

INTRODUCTION

Although diverticular disease of the duodenum and colon is frequent, the jejuno-ileal diverticulosis (JOD) is an uncommon entity. The perforation of the small bowel diverticula can be fatal due to the delay in diagnosis.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report the case of a 79-year-old man presenting with generalized abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Physical examination revealed a severe diffuse abdominal pain. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with oral contrast showed thickening of the distal jejunal loop and thickening and infiltration of the mesenteric fat and the presence of free air in the mesentery suggesting a possible perforation adjacent to the diverticula. A midline laparotomy was performed. The jejunal diverticula were found along the mesenteric border. Forty centimeters of the jejunum were resected. Histopathology report confirmed the presence of multiple jejunual diverticula, and one of them was perforated. The patient tolerated the procedure and the postoperative period was uncomplicated.

DISCUSSION

The prevalence of small intestinal diverticula ranges from 0.06% to 1.3%. The etiopathogenesis of JOD is unclear, although the current hypothesis focuses on abnormalities in the smooth muscle or myenteric plexus, on intestinal dyskinesis and on high intraluminal pressures. Diagnosis is often difficult and delayed because clinical symptoms are not specific and mainly imaging studies performs the diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Because of the relative rarity of acquired jejuno-ileal diverticulosis, the perforation of small bowel diverticulitis poses technical dilemmas.

Diagnosis and management of jejunoileal diverticular hemorrhage: a decade of experience

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and management of jejunoileal diverticular hemorrhage at Changhua Christian Hospital over the past decade.

METHODS

A retrospective study on the clinical features, treatment and outcomes of the patients with jejunoileal diverticular hemorrhage diagnosed from January 2000 to December 2010 was conducted.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients (male to female ratio 15:13) were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 73.9 years. Symptoms consisted of bloody stool (46.4%), tarry stool (82.1%), coffee ground vomitus (7.1%) and shock (39.3%). The mean duration of hospital stay was 13.5 days and the mean blood transfusion volume was 13.5 units. Eight patients (28.6%) underwent surgical resection, 9 (32.1%) received endoscopic therapy and 11 (39.3%) were administered conservative therapy. Five patients (17.9%) had recurrent bleeding during the follow-up. Two patients (7.1%) died eventually.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of jejunoileal diverticular hemorrhage has mainly been nonsurgical at our institution over the past decade. The decreased requirement of surgical intervention might be attributed to the improvement of diagnostic and treatment procedures during this period.

Laparoscopic diagnosis and management of an acute jejunal diverticulitis

Jejunal diverticulitis is a rare clinical entity with a high degree of clinical variability and nonspecific radiographic findings, making it a diagnostic challenge. Definitive diagnosis is typically not made until surgery is undertaken, most commonly by laparotomy. We present a case of laparoscopic diagnosis and management of an elderly man with an acute jejunal diverticulitis. The use of a laparoscopic approach provided for an effective therapy without any perioperative morbidity. Clear visualization of the extent of the disease allowed us to avoid intestinal resections. Laparoscopic washout and postoperative bowel rest and intravenous antibiotics seem to be sufficient for acute nonperforated jejunal diverticulitis. Despite his advanced age, our management allowed for a speedy and uneventful recovery in our patient. As a result, we advocate that diagnostic laparoscopy should be considered in most cases of suspected acute jejunal diverticulitis. In addition to facilitating a correct diagnosis, laparoscopic exploration and washout may provide effective management of the acute attack while obviating the need for major abdominal explorations and resections.

Massive rectal bleeding from acquired jejunal diverticula

Small bowel diverticulosis is an uncommon and often asymptomatic condition that is sporadically observed during radiographic examination or laparotomy. Although it is frequently seen in duodenum, jejunal and ileal locations are very rare. The majority of patients with jejunal diverticula have no symptoms. However, they can present with a number of acute and emergent complications with a high rate of mortality. Bleeding from jejunal diverticula occurs in less than 3% - 8% of patients and often present as fresh rectal haemorrhage. This can confuse the clinician since a bleeding source in colon is far more common. We report a patient with acute massive rectal bleeding. Abdominal CT angiography demonstrated a jejunal diverticulum as the bleeding source and the patient underwent resection of the affected segment. She has since remained free of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Although jejunal diverticulosis is rare, it is an important differential diagnosis for patients with gastrointestinal haemorrhage of unknown origin as it may cause extensive rectal bleeding. Abdominal CT angiography can localize the bleeding source and resection of the affected bowel and primary anastomosis is the treatment of choice.

Emergency surgery for jejunal diverticulosis: our experience and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Jejunal diverticulosis is a rare entity and is often asymptomatic. However, some of its complications may require acute surgical intervention. This study was performed to evaluate the presentation and outcome of patients who underwent urgent surgery for complicated jejunal diverticulosis.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent emergency surgery for complicated jejunal diverticulosis from November 2005 to December 2008 was performed.

RESULTS

Six cases of complicated jejunal diverticulosis required urgent surgery during the study period. Three patients presented with acute abdomen from perforated jejunal diverticulum. Preoperative computed tomographic (CT) scans were useful in localizing the source of sepsis. One patient died from the subsequent complications. The other three patients presented with massive lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage for which CT angiography was able to localize the source of haemorrhage in two of them. Small bowel resection was then performed and all three were discharged well eventually.

CONCLUSION

Though rare, jejunal diverticulosis can present with several life-threatening complications that mandates immediate surgery. While the surgical procedure may be technically simple, achieving the accurate preoperative diagnosis is often fraught with challenges. CT scan could prove invaluable in the management if the situation permits.

The clinical significance of jejunal diverticular disease diagnosed by double-balloon enteroscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND

Jejunal diverticular disease is a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. The reported incidence of this disease is low in the studies of double-balloon enteroscopy.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and management of jejunal diverticular disease, diagnosed by double-balloon enteroscopy, at our institution.

METHOD

This was a retrospective study of patients with jejunal diverticular disease conducted from April 2004 to September 2009 at Changhua Christian Hospital. We evaluated the clinical significance of jejunal diverticular disease and the outcome of endoscopic treatment for jejunal diverticular bleeding.

RESULTS

From April 2004 to September 2009, a total of 55 patients underwent double-balloon enteroscopy due to obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Fifteen of these patients were diagnosed with jejunal diverticular disease (8 men and 7 women, mean age 71 years). Four patients were found to have a single diverticulum. Gastrointestinal bleeding was attributed to jejunal diverticular disease in 12 patients. Six patients received endoscopic treatment in order to achieve hemostasis. One patient received emergency surgery due to uncontrolled bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the clinical significance of jejunal diverticular disease diagnosed by double-balloon enteroscopy. We found that obscure GI bleeding was attributed significantly to jejunal diverticular disease.

Application of double-balloon enteroscopy in jejunal diverticular bleeding

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic diagnosis and therapy for jejunal diverticular bleeding.

METHODS: From January 2004 to September 2009, 154 patients underwent double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Ten consecutive patients with jejunal diverticula (5 males and 5 females) at the age of 68.7 ± 2.1 years (range 19-95 years) at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Academic Tertiary Referral Center, were enrolled in this study.

RESULTS: Of the 10 patients, 5 had melena, 2 had hematochezia, 2 had both melena and hematochezia, 1 had anemia and dizziness. DBE revealed ulcers with stigmata of recent hemorrhage in 6 patients treated by injection of epinephrine diluted at 1:10 000, Dieulafoy-like lesions in 4 patients treated by deploying hemoclips on the vessels, colonic diverticula in 2 patients, and duodenal diverticula in 3 patients, respectively. Of the 2 patients who underwent surgical intervention, 1 had a large diverticulum and was referred by the surgeon for DBE, 1 received endoscopic therapy but failed due to massive bleeding. One patient had a second DBE for recurrent hemorrhage 7 mo later, which was successfully treated with a repeat endoscopy. The mean follow-up time of patients was 14.7 ± 7.8 mo.

CONCLUSION: DBE is a safe and effective treatment modality for jejunal diverticular bleeding.

Successful double balloon enteroscopy treatment for bleeding jejunal diverticulum: a case report and review of the literature

In this article, we report a case study of a 54-year old man who presented with massive gastrointestinal bleeding. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy had been performed in another hospital, but the location of the bleeding could not be identified, and the patient was transferred to our hospital. An initial abdominal computed tomography scan showed only a large blood clot in the small bowel and colon, with duodenojejunal diverticulosis. Emergent angiography was performed due to persistent active bleeding. Active bleeding from the jejunum was found, and the patient received a double balloon enteroscopy, which disclosed active bleeding in one of the jejunal diverticula. Two hemoclips were applied to treat the Dieulafoy's lesion within the diverticulum. The patient had no bleeding during the month following treatment. Bleeding of the jejunal diverticulum is a rare clinical condition, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature with successful endoscopic treatment. A short review of the current methods of diagnosis and treatment of this rare disorder is provided.

Acute ulcerative jejunal diverticulitis: Case report of an uncommon entity

Jejunal diverticulosis is a rare entity with variable clinical and anatomical presentations. Its reported incidence varies from 0.05% to 6%. Although there is no consensus on the management of asymptomatic jejunal diverticular disease, some complications are potentially life threatening and require early surgical treatment. We report a case of an 88-year-old man investigated for acute abdominal pain with a high biological inflammatory syndrome. Inflammation of multiple giant jejunal diverticulum was discovered at abdominal computed tomography (CT). As a result of the clinical and biological signs of early peritonitis, an emergency surgical exploration was performed. The first jejunal loop showed clear signs of jejunal diverticulitis. Primary segmental jejunum resection with end-to-end anastomosis was performed. Histopathology report confirmed an ulcerative jejunal diverticulitis with imminent perforation and acute local peritonitis. The patient made an excellent rapid postoperative recovery. Jejunal diverticulum is rare but may cause serious complications. It should be considered a possible etiology of acute abdomen, especially in elderly patients with unusual symptomatology. Abdominal CT is the diagnostic tool of choice. The best treatment is emergency surgical management.

Acquired Jejunoileal Diverticulosis and Its Complications: A Review of the Literature

Jejunoileal diverticulosis is a rare entity. Jejunoileal diverticulosis is not a disease that surgeons see often in clinical practice; however, it should remain on the differential diagnosis for any patient with an acute abdomen or gastrointestinal bleeding of unknown origin. It can present with a wide range of clinical scenarios and when patients experience chronic symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, bacterial overgrowth, or malabsorption, medical therapy is successful in most patients. However, when patients present with acute symptoms of bleeding, inflammation, perforation, or obstruction, surgical resection and primary anastomosis is often the treatment of choice. If patients are asymptomatic, they are better left alone, even when discovered incidentally in the operating room. In closing, the possibility of a patient having jejunal diverticular disease should be suspected whenever the symptoms of obscure abdominal pain, anemia, dilated jejunal loops on abdominal radiographs, a history of colonic diverticuli, and a history of acute appendicitis.

Jejuno-ileal diverticulitis with localized perforation: CT and US findings

PURPOSE

To describe the computed tomography and ultrasound findings of five cases of small bowel diverticulitis with localized perforation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Our database, from April 2003 to August 2007, was reviewed and five cases of small bowel diverticulitis were identified.

RESULTS

Jejuno-ileal diverticulitis with covered perforation usually presents as wall thickening of a small bowel loop and an adjacent inflammatory mass containing air bubbles.

CONCLUSION

Small bowel diverticula are rare and mostly asymptomatic. They become clinically relevant when complications arise, such as diverticulitis. The symptoms of jejuno-ileal diverticulitis are non-specific and the diagnosis is performed mainly by imaging studies.

Diverticules géants du grêle et du côlon et formations pseudo kystiques sous-mésocoliques

Giant diverticula of the small intestine and colon are rare. Four cases treated at our institution in the last year are reported and compared to published cases; specific features and those which differentiate them from abdominal pseudocysts are described. They most commonly present a clinical tableau similar to commonplace diverticular disease. Awareness of this unusual condition and a good CT study are the keys to diagnosis. Giant diverticula may be acquired or congenital. The acquired type is simply a more spectacular version of commonplace diverticulosis while the congenital type, having a muscular wall and myenteric plexus, is more akin to intestinal duplications. Treatment is surgical and, in the case of sigmoid giant diverticula, usually requires a colon resection similar to that required for sigmoid diverticulitis.