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.
Beddy
David
D
Department of Surgery, St James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin, 8, Ireland. davbeddy@rcsi.ie
DeBlacam
Catherine
C
Mehigan
Brian
B
D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000209:etiology*; D000368:Aged; D004241:Diverticulum, Colon / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male