Flashcards in Diverticular disease + diverticulitis Deck (11)
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1
what are diverticula
when pouches of mucosa extrude through the colonic muscular wall via weakened areas near blood vessels
2
diverticulosis
presence of diverticula
3
diverticular disease
diverticula are symptomatic
4
diverticulitis
inflammation of diverticular
(occurs when faces obstruct the neck of the intestine)
5
what's thought to be the cause
low fiber diet eaten in western populations
leads to increased intra-colonic pressure --> herniation of the mucosa at sites of weakness
6
epidemiology
diverticula affect 50% of over 50s
but are asymptomatic in 95%!!!!
7
what causes symptoms?
luminal narrowing --> pain and constipation
bleeding (can be massive)
diverticulitis
8
how can diverticulitis present?
often incidental finding from barium enema/colonoscopy
LIF pain, fever, and nausea
9
possible complications of diverticulitis
perforation, fistula formation or intestinal obstruction
10
Dx tests for acute diverticulitis
CT scan or US
11
