Relevance of segmental colitis with diverticulosis (SCAD) to other forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Can J Gastroenterol. 2009;23:439-440. [PMID: 19543576 DOI: 10.1155/2009/540420]

A curious case of colitis

Segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD) is a rare variant of chronic colitis that is limited to segments of the left colon that harbor diverticula. Histologically, SCAD is known to mimic chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease. Patients usually present with hematochezia and cramping abdominal pain; SCAD often resolves spontaneously without treatment, or completely after a limited course of therapy. Due to the histologic overlap with ulcerative colitis and occasional Crohn colitis, the implications of an inaccurate diagnosis are significant.

Differential diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease: imitations and complications

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterised by episodes of relapse and periods of remission. However, the clinical features, such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and rectal bleeding, are not specific. Therefore, the differential diagnosis can include a broad spectrum of inflammatory or infectious diseases that mimic IBD, as well as others that might complicate existing IBD. In this Review, we provide an overview of ileocolitis of diverse causes that are relevant in the differential diagnosis of IBD. We highlight the importance of accurate patient profiling and give a practical approach to identifying factors that should trigger the search for a specific cause of intestinal inflammation. Mimics of IBD include not only infectious causes of colitis-and particular attention is required for patients from endemic areas of tuberculosis-but also vascular diseases, diversion colitis, diverticula or radiation-related injuries, drug-induced inflammation, and monogenic diseases in very-early-onset refractory disease. A superinfection with cytomegalovirus or Clostridium difficile can aggravate intestinal inflammation in IBD, especially in patients who are immunocompromised. Special consideration should be made to the differential diagnosis of perianal disease.

Management of Diverticular Disease in the Setting of Other Colorectal Pathology: Data on Simultaneous Issues in Segmental Colitis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Cancer, and Complications

Diverticulosis of the colon is a very common anatomical condition. In the Western world, it affects more than 70% of over 65 years old population and represents the fifth most important gastrointestinal disease in terms of health care costs in Western countries. The diagnosis of diverticular disease and diverticulitis can be challenging. Often, there is overlap with other colonic pathologies, such as segmental colitis, ischemia, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, or infectious colitis. Management of diverticular disease in these settings might be different.

Segmental colitis associated diverticulosis syndrome

Segmental colitis associated diverticulosis (SCAD) has become increasingly appreciated as a form of inflammatory disease of the colon. Several features suggest that SCAD is a distinct disorder. SCAD tends to develop almost exclusively in older adults, predominately, but not exclusively, males. The inflammatory process occurs mainly in the sigmoid colon, and usually remains localized to this region of the colon alone. SCAD most often presents with rectal bleeding and subsequent endoscopic visualization reveals a well localized process with non-specific histopathologic inflammatory changes. Granulomas are not seen, and if present, may be helpful in definition of other disorders such as Crohn’s disease of the colon, an entity often confused with SCAD. Bacteriologic and parasitic studies for an infectious agent are negative. Normal rectal mucosa (i.e., “rectal sparing”) is present and can be confirmed with normal rectal biopsies. SCAD often resolves spontaneously without treatment, or completely after a limited course of therapy with only a 5-aminosalicylate. Recurrent episodes may occur, but most often, patients with this disorder have an entirely self-limited clinical course. Occasionally, treatment with other agents, including corticosteroids, or surgical resection has been required.

When it is not inflammatory bowel disease: differential diagnosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) represent a heterogeneous entity whose diagnosis is sometimes difficult to ascertain. Many pathological processes may mimic IBD phenotypes. Among the classical differential diagnoses are enteric infections and infestations as well as drug toxicity. However, recently, more specific differential diagnoses have been included, including monogenic causes of gastrointestinal tract inflammation, particularly in young children. The purpose of the present review is to describe the differential diagnosis of IBD, putting it in a specific clinical and demographic context. This differential diagnosis will be discussed specifically for young children, elderly patients, and immunosuppressed patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

We will focus on the most recent findings and concepts, including monogenic diseases in young children, diverticular disease-associated colitis in elderly patients, and toxic colitis in patients receiving immunosuppressants such as mycophenolate mofetil or biologics such as ipilimumab.

SUMMARY

The aim of this review is to alert the clinician dealing with IBD, concerning a series of specific diagnoses that should be recognized because they may require specific treatment, different from the ones of classical idiopathic IBD.

Italian consensus conference for colonic diverticulosis and diverticular disease

The statements produced by the Consensus Conference on Diverticular Disease promoted by GRIMAD (Gruppo Italiano Malattia Diverticolare, Italian Group on Diverticular Diseases) are reported. Topics such as epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment of diverticular disease (DD) in patients with uncomplicated and complicated DD were reviewed by a scientific board of experts who proposed 55 statements graded according to level of evidence and strength of recommendation, and approved by an independent jury. Each topic was explored focusing on the more relevant clinical questions. Comparison and discussion of expert opinions, pertinent statements and replies to specific questions, were presented and approved based on a systematic literature search of the available evidence. Comments were added explaining the basis for grading the evidence, particularly for controversial areas.