An unusual cause of an acute abdomen--a giant colonic diverticulum.
A giant colonic diverticulum (GCD) is a rare presentation of diverticular disease of the colon that usually necessitates surgery. The case described is of a GCD that became symptomatic due to rapid enlargement caused by an intracolonic bleed. GCD usually presents with abdominal pain and a palpable periumbilical or pelvic mass. Radiological imaging shows a large gas-filled cyst associated with the colon. Surgical resection with sigmoid colectomy is usually performed to alleviate symptoms and prevent later perforation.
Department of Surgery, St James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin, 8, Ireland. davbeddy@rcsi.ie
David
D
Beddy
Catherine
C
DeBlacam
Brian
B
Mehigan
D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000209:etiology*; D000368:Aged; D004241:Diverticulum, Colon / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male