Diverticular disease associated with inflammatory bowel disease-like colitis: a systematic review

Sigmoid diverticulitis mimicking a urinary bladder tumor: A rare case report

Urothelial cell carcinomas represent the vast majority of urinary bladder tumors. However, many inflammatory and non-neoplastic conditions can mimic a urinary bladder malignancy. In that matter, diverticulitis can progress into colovesical fistula formation with a bladder wall abscess that can mimic a pseudo mass. Nonetheless, the presence of a bladder wall mass, usually requires pathologic examination. We report the case of a 60 year old woman with recurrent urinary infections due to a focal bladder mass revealing a colovesical fistula as a complication of sigmoid diverticulitis.

Segmental Colitis Associated With Diverticulosis

Segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD) is a rare entity characterized by segmental circumferential colonic wall thickening involving the sigmoid and/or left colon in the presence of colonic diverticulosis. We present the case of a 57-year-old female with a past medical history of colonic diverticulosis who presented with chronic intermittent abdominal pain, non-bloody diarrhea, and hematochezia. Imaging revealed long-segment circumferential colonic wall thickening involving the sigmoid and distal descending colon with engorged vasa recta without significant inflammation around the colon or diverticula, consistent with SCAD. Colonoscopy showed diffuse mucosal edema and hyperemia of the descending and sigmoid colon with easy friability and erosions primarily affecting the inter-diverticular colonic mucosa. Pathology showed changes of chronic colitis including inflammation in the lamina propria, crypt distortion, and granuloma formation. Treatment with antibiotics and mesalamine was initiated with improvement in symptoms. This case highlights the importance of considering segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis in patients with chronic lower abdominal pain and diarrhea in the setting of colonic diverticulosis, and the need for a thorough workup including imaging, colonoscopy, and histopathology to differentiate it from other types of colitis.

ECCO Topical Review on Clinicopathological Spectrum and Differential Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

INTRODUCTION

Many diseases can imitate inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] clinically and pathologically. This review outlines the differential diagnosis of IBD and discusses morphological pointers and ancillary techniques that assist with the distinction between IBD and its mimics.

METHODS

European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation [ECCO] Topical Reviews are the result of an expert consensus. For this review, ECCO announced an open call to its members and formed three working groups [WGs] to study clinical aspects, pathological considerations, and the value of ancillary techniques. All WGs performed a systematic literature search.

RESULTS

Each WG produced a draft text and drew up provisional Current Practice Position [CPP] statements that highlighted the most important conclusions. Discussions and a preliminary voting round took place, with subsequent revision of CPP statements and text and a further meeting to agree on final statements.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians and pathologists encounter a wide variety of mimics of IBD, including infection, drug-induced disease, vascular disorders, diverticular disease, diversion proctocolitis, radiation damage, and immune disorders. Reliable distinction requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Trends and Outcomes of Acute Diverticulitis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Propensity-matched National Study

BACKGROUND

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be at increased risk for acute diverticulitis (AD) complications due to luminal inflammation and immune modifying medications. We aimed to assess outcomes of acute diverticulitis in patients with IBD.

METHODS

A propensity-matched analysis of the National Inpatient Sample database was performed to assess outcomes of AD in adult patients (older than 18 years) from 2004 to 2013 with and without IBD. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, need for percutaneous drainage, surgery, venous thromboembolism (VTE), total cost, and length of stay (LOS). A subgroup analysis comparing patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) was performed.

RESULTS

After propensity matching, compared with non-IBD patients (n = 15,015); Patients with IBD (n = 15,106) did not have significantly higher rate of mortality and surgical intervention but had significantly higher rates of percutaneous drainage (4% vs 3.4%; P = 0.002), VTE (1.1% vs 0.7%; P < 0.001), longer LOS (P < 0.001), and total cost (P < 0.001). Compared with CD, UC was associated with significantly higher rates of surgical intervention (20.3% vs 19%; P = 0.04), in-hospital mortality (1.4% vs 0.4%; P < 0.001), VTE (1.6% vs 0.7%; P < 0.001), total cost ($41,672 ± $61,358 vs $33,951 ± $54,376; P < 0.001), and LOS (6.4 ± 6.4 vs 5.7 ± 5.3; P < 0.001). From 2004 to 2013, there was a significant increase of IBD (range 0.5% to 0.8%; P = < 0.001) in AD patients with overall stable mortality (0.5% to 1.0%; P = 0.47) of AD in patients with IBD.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IBD are at increased risk of complicated diverticulitis and worse outcomes compared with matched controls. Optimal AD management strategies in IBD are needed.

The Potential Link between Episodes of Diverticulitis or Hemorrhoidal Proctitis and Diets with Selected Plant Foods: A Case-Control Study

Diverticulitis and hemorrhoidal proctitis in the population are significant public health problems. We studied the potential association between the intake of certain plant foods and diverticulitis or hemorrhoidal episodes through a case-control study including 410 cases and 401 controls. We used a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. The intake was additionally quantified according to a 24 h recall. The plant foods or derived food products were categorized by their main chemical components into ethanol, caffeine/theine/theobromine, capsaicin, alliin, acids, eugenol, and miscellaneous foods such as curcumin. The mean score for overall intake of plant foods under consideration was 6.3 points, and this was significantly higher in cases (8.5) than in controls (4.1). Overall intake was similar in cases presenting with diverticulitis or hemorrhoidal proctitis. Cases had 13 times the odds of being in the upper quartile for overall intake (>7 points), compared to controls. Explanatory logistic regression models showed that the strongest association with diverticulitis and hemorrhoidal proctitis was shown by the chemical food group of capsaicin, followed by ethanol, eugenol, caffeine/theine/theobromine, and acids. Neither alliin nor miscellaneous food groups showed any association. High, frequent consumption of capsaicin, followed by ethanol, eugenol, caffeine/theine/theobromine, and acids increase the risk of diverticulitis and hemorrhoidal proctitis.

Therapeutic outcome of diverticular associated colitis - a retrospective single centre experience

BACKGROUND

Diverticular associated colitis (DAC) has become increasingly appreciated as a form of inflammatory disease, localized mainly in the sigmoid, and defined as chronic inflammation of the interdiverticular mucosa with sparing of rectum, right colon and diverticula themselves.

METHODS

A retrospective case identification from January 2005 to December 2016 was performed. Patients with a diagnosis of DAC based on clinical, endoscopic and histological findings were enrolled. We analyzed their characteristics and response to therapy, and performed a review of literature.

RESULTS

Out of 377 pathology reports, 37 cases of DAC were identified, with a median age of 73 years and followed during 1-13 years. Six patients (16.22%) were refractory to conservative treatment and required surgery. In three patients (8.11%) evolution to ulcerative colitis (UC) was observed. Patients were divided into four endoscopic patterns, with a more benign course for type A "crescentic fold disease" compared to the other subtypes. Patients with type B "mild to moderate ulcerative colitis-like" were at significantly higher risk of persistent disease activity or relapse (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

DAC is a multifaceted disease and considered to be a relatively benign condition. However, a subset of patients requires surgery and/or may progress to develop UC.

Update on the management of sigmoid diverticulitis

Diverticular disease and diverticulitis are the most common non-cancerous pathology of the colon. It has traditionally been considered a disease of the elderly and associated with cultural and dietary habits. There has been a growing evolution in our understanding and the treatment guidelines for this disease. To provide an updated review of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, classification and highlight changes in the medical and surgical management of diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is increasingly being seen in young patients (< 50 years). Genetic contributions to diverticulitis may be larger than previously thought. Potential similarities and overlap with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome exist. Computed tomography imaging represents the standard to classify the severity of diverticulitis. Modifications to the traditional Hinchey classification might serve to better delineate mild and intermediate forms as well as better classify chronic presentations of diverticulitis. Non-operative management is primarily based on antibiotics and supportive measures, but antibiotics may be omitted in mild cases. Interval colonoscopy remains advisable after an acute attack, particularly after a complicated form. Acute surgery is needed for the most severe as well as refractory cases, whereas elective resections are individualized and should be considered for chronic, smoldering, or recurrent forms and respective complications (stricture, fistula, etc.) and for patients with factors highly predictive of recurrent attacks. Diverticulitis is no longer a disease of the elderly. Our evolving understanding of diverticulitis as a clinical entity has led into a more nuanced approach in both the medical and surgical management of this common disease. Non-surgical management remains the appropriate treatment for greater than 70% of patients. In individuals with non-relenting, persistent, or recurrent symptoms and those with complicated disease and sequelae, a segmental colectomy remains the most effective surgical treatment in the acute, chronic, or elective-prophylactic setting.

A comparison of diverticulitis in Crohn's diseaseversusulcerative colitis

Background and Aim

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and diverticulitis both increase morbidity, especially when associated with in‐patient hospitalization. This study aimed to evaluate whether hospitalization burden differs for diverticulitis in patients with a history of Crohn's disease (CD) compared to ulcerative colitis (UC).

Method

All patients hospitalized for acute diverticulitis with pre‐existing UC or CD in 2014 were selected using the national in‐patient sample. Cases were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition codes. Primary outcomes were mortality, cost of admission, length of stay (LOS), and colectomy.

Results

A total of 1815 patients were admitted with diverticulitis, and those with CD had a hospitalization associated with decreased cost (aOR −14 537, 95% CI −27 316 to −1758; P = 0.026) and LOS (aOR −1.31, 95% CI −2.41 to −0.208; P = 0.02) compared to UC. A second analysis comparing diverticulitis hospitalization between those with CD and those with the absence of IBD showed no significant difference in mortality (aOR 2.47, 95% CI 0.59 to 10.36; P = 0.22), LOS (aOR 0.03, 95% CI −0.47 to 0.54; P = 0.92), or cost of admission (aOR −2196, 95% CI −6933 to 2539; P = 0.36) between the cohorts.

Conclusion

Patients with UC have worsened hospitalization outcomes when being treated for diverticulitis compared to CD. While the findings may be a result of a difference in colectomy rates, the etiology may also be multifactorial. These conclusions have not been previously described, and further investigations would better characterize these associations.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Risk of Diverticulitis

INTRODUCTION

Diverticulitis is a significant cause of morbidity among older women, and little attention has been paid to understanding its etiology. We have shown that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is associated with the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. In this study, we prospectively examined the association between MHT and the risk of incident diverticulitis.

METHODS

We studied 65,367 postmenopausal women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study who provided detailed information on hormone use and other medical and lifestyle factors biennially, and on diet every 4 years. Between 2008 and 2014, participants reported any episodes of diverticulitis that required antibiotics and the date of occurrence. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Over 24 years encompassing 1,297,165 person-years of follow-up, we documented 5,425 incident cases of diverticulitis. We observed an increased risk of diverticulitis among both current (HR 1.28; 95% CI 1.18-1.39) and past (HR 1.35; 95% CI 1.25-1.45) MHT users compared to never users. The increased risk was observed among participants using estrogen only (HR 1.30; 95% CI 1.20-1.41) and those using combined estrogen and progesterone (HR 1.31; 95% CI 1.21-1.42) compared to nonusers. The risk did not increase with longer duration of use (P-trend = 0.76). The association between MHT and diverticulitis was not modified by age, body mass index, past oral contraceptive use, or fiber intake (all P-interaction >0.11).

CONCLUSIONS

Menopausal hormone therapy was associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis. Further studies are needed to understand the potential mechanisms that may underlie this association.

Perforated diverticulitis in the setting of ulcerative colitis: An unusual case report

INTRODUCTION

The association of diverticulitis with ulcerative colitis (UC) is rare and not well described. The sequelae of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as perforation and fistula formation can mimic diverticular complications. Therefore, in an IBD patient, it can be difficult to distinguish the etiology of such complications and render definitive care.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 43-year-old man with a long history of UC presented with spontaneous sigmoid perforation and subsequent complications of colovesicular and colocutaneous fistulae requiring multiple procedural interventions. Ultimately, the etiology was confirmed as perforated diverticulitis superimposed on severe ulcerative colitis.

DISCUSSION

As perforated diverticulitis superimposed on UC is a rare entity in the current literature and there are many diagnostic difficulties that complicate this scenario. It is important to rule out other entities such as misdiagnosis of IBD or segmental colitis associated with diverticula (SCAD) that may have overlapping features.

CONCLUSION

Although diverticulitis in the setting of UC is an uncommon presentation, it remains important for medical practitioners to consider this scenario when encountering patients who may present in a similar fashion. As such, we put forth a process to aid in a diagnosis and management such that definitive care may not be delayed.

Considerations and Changes in the Evaluation, Management, and Outcomes in the Management of Diverticular Disease: The Diagnosis, Pathology, and Treatment of Diverticular Colitis

Diverticular colitis, also known as segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis, is a colonic inflammatory disorder on the spectrum of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The disease consists of macroscopic and microscopic inflammation affecting inter-diverticular mucosa, sparing peri-diverticular mucosa, with inflammation confined to the descending and sigmoid colon. The disease likely arises from the altered immune response of an individual, genetically susceptible to the IBD spectrum of diseases. Patients with segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD) are typically older, and likely represent a subgroup of IBD-susceptible patients who lacked an environmental trigger until that point in their life. Most patients remain in remission with initial treatments of mesalamine or topical steroids, and maintenance mesalamine afterwards. Only the most severe form of the disease necessitates immunomodulatory therapy and the consideration of surgery.

Diverticular Disease-associated Colitis: What Do We Know? A Review of Literature

Diverticular disease (DD) is a leading cause of hospitalizations in developed countries affecting 30-50% of individuals older than 60 years. Identified as a distinct entity since 1980, diverticular disease-associated colitis (DAC) describes the occurrence of mucosal inflammation in a colon segment affected with DD with relative sparing of the rectum and proximal colon. Its prevalence is suggested around 1.3-3.8%. Pathogenesis is multifactorial with multiple reports noting clinicopathological overlap between DAC and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) especially in patients with granulomatous colitis. In this setting, caution should be exercised to avoid an inappropriate diagnosis of IBD. Recurrence rates and long-term outcomes of DAC are not well defined and could range from a benign course to an overt IBD. More studies are needed in order to further characterize this entity.

Review article: the pathophysiology and medical management of diverticulosis and diverticular disease of the colon

BACKGROUND

The incidence of diverticulosis and diverticular disease of the colon, including diverticulitis, is increasing worldwide, and becoming a significant burden on national health systems. Treatment of patients with diverticulosis and DD is generally based on high-fibre diet and antibiotics, respectively. However, new pathophysiological knowledge suggests that further treatment may be useful.

AIM

To review the current treatment of diverticulosis and diverticular disease.

METHODS

A search of PubMed and Medline databases was performed to identify articles relevant to the management of diverticulosis and diverticular disease. Major international conferences were also reviewed.

RESULTS

Two randomised controlled trials (RCT) found the role of antibiotics in managing acute diverticulitis to be questionable, particularly in patients with no complicating comorbidities. One RCT found mesalazine to be effective in preventing acute diverticulitis in patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. The role of rifaximin or mesalazine in preventing diverticulitis recurrence, based on the results of 1 and 4 RCTs, respectively, remains unclear. RCTs found rifaximin and mesalazine to be effective in treating symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. The use of probiotics in diverticular disease and in preventing acute diverticulitis occurrence/recurrence appears promising but unconclusive. Finally, the role of fibre in treating diverticulosis remains unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

Available evidence suggests that antibiotics have a role only in the treatment of complicated diverticulitis. It appears to be some evidence for a role for rifaximin and mesalazine in treating symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. Finally, there is not currently adequate evidence to recommend any medical treatment for the prevention of diverticulitis recurrence.

Mesalamine did not prevent recurrent diverticulitis in phase 3 controlled trials

BACKGROUND & AIMS

No therapy has been proven to prevent the recurrence of diverticulitis. Mesalamine has shown efficacy in preventing relapse in inflammatory bowel disease, and there is preliminary evidence that it might be effective for diverticular disease. We investigated the efficacy of mesalamine in preventing recurrence of diverticulitis in 2 identical but separate phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trials (identical confirmatory trials were conducted for regulatory reasons).

METHODS

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of multimatrix mesalamine vs placebo in the prevention of recurrent diverticulitis in 590 (PREVENT1) and 592 (PREVENT2) adult patients with ≥1 episodes of acute diverticulitis in the previous 24 months that resolved without surgery. Patients received mesalamine (1.2 g, 2.4 g, or 4.8 g) or placebo once daily for 104 weeks. The primary end point was the proportion of recurrence-free patients at week 104. Diverticulitis recurrence was defined as surgical intervention at any time for diverticular disease or presence of computed tomography scan results demonstrating bowel wall thickening (>5 mm) and/or fat stranding consistent with diverticulitis. For a portion of the study, recurrence also required the presence of abdominal pain and an increase in white blood cells.

RESULTS

Mesalamine did not reduce the rate of diverticulitis recurrence at week 104. Among patients in PREVENT1, 53%-63% did not have disease recurrence, compared with 65% of those given placebo. Among patients in PREVENT2, 59%-69% of patients did not have disease recurrence, compared with 68% of those given placebo. Mesalamine did not reduce time to recurrence, and the proportions of patients requiring surgery were comparable among treatment groups. No new adverse events were identified with mesalamine administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Mesalamine was not superior to placebo in preventing recurrent diverticulitis. Mesalamine is not recommended for this indication. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT00545740 and NCT00545103.

Histological evaluation in ulcerative colitis

This review summarizes diagnostic problems, challenges and advances in ulcerative colitis (UC). It emphasizes that, although histopathological examination plays a major role in the diagnosis and management of UC, it should always be interpreted in the context of clinical, endoscopic, and radiological findings. Accurate diagnosis requires knowledge of the classic morphological features of UC, as well as a number of atypical pathological presentations that may cause mis-classification of the disease process, either in resection or biopsy specimens. These atypical pathological presentations include rectal sparing and patchiness of disease at initial presentation of UC in pediatric patients or in the setting of medically treated UC, cecal or ascending colon inflammation in left-sided UC, and backwash ileitis in patients with severe ulcerative pancolitis. Loosely formed microgranulomas, with pale foamy histiocytes adjacent to a damaged crypt or eroded surface, should not be interpreted as evidence of Crohn's disease. Indeterminate colitis should only be used in colectomy specimens as a provisional pathological diagnosis. Patients with UC are at risk for the development of dysplasia and carcinoma; optimal outcomes in UC surveillance programs require familiarity with the diagnostic criteria and challenges relating to UC-associated dysplasia and malignancy. Colon biopsy from UC patients should always be evaluated for dysplasia based on cytological and architectural abnormalities. Accurate interpretation and classification of dysplasia in colon biopsy from UC patients as sporadic adenoma or UC-related dysplasia [flat, adenoma-like, or dysplasia-associated lesion or mass (DALM)] requires clinical and endoscopic correlation. Isolated polypoid dysplastic lesions are considered to be sporadic adenoma if occurring outside areas of histologically proven colitis, or adenoma-like dysplasia if occurring in the diseased segment. Recent data suggest that such lesions may be treated adequately by polypectomy in the absence of flat dysplasia in the patient. UC patients with DALM or flat high-grade dysplasia should be treated by colectomy because of the high probability of adenocarcinoma. The natural history of low-grade dysplasia (LGD) is more controversial: while multifocal LGD, particularly if detected at the time of initial endoscopic examination, is treated with colectomy, unifocal flat LGD detected during surveillance may be managed by close follow-up with increased surveillance. The surveillance interval and treatment options for UC patients with dysplasia are reviewed in detail.

Diverticular colitis of the ascending colon preceding the onset of ulcerative colitis

We present a case of diverticular colitis of the ascending colon preceding the onset of ulcerative colitis. A 58-year-old man presented with positive faecal occult blood test. Colonoscopy disclosed diverticular colitis of the ascending colon. After a year's follow-up, typical ulcerative colitis developed and diverticular colitis improved. Diverticular colitis is a newly established disorder of chronic segmental mucosal inflammation affected by diverticular disease. There is increasing recognition of such cases with diverticular colitis preceding ulcerative colitis. There may be a possible pathogenic relationship between the two diseases.

Diarrhea after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: associated factors and predictors

BACKGROUND

Diarrhea is part of the postlaparoscopic cholecystectomy syndrome, but is not well defined. Published reports have ignored possible associated factors such as the preoperative excretion pattern, gastrointestinal disorders, personality disorders, the effect of drugs, unsanitary food, and high-fat diets.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to define the associated factors and predictors of postlaparoscopic cholecystectomy diarrhea (PLCD) at different time intervals after the operation and to identify the possible associated factors and predictors of PLCD. We also aimed to determine the effectiveness of a low-fat diet in these patients and to educate the patients about their diet after the operation.

METHODS

Data were obtained from clinical records and preoperative interviews with patients, who were also interviewed or contacted by telephone 1 week after the operation, and then surveyed by telephone 3 months later using standardized questionnaires. A total of 125 consecutive patients who were adequately informed and who had assented to accepting a prescription of a low-fat diet after undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy participated in this prospective study.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients (25.2%) had diarrhea 1 week after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and seven patients (5.7%) had diarrhea 3 months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The important predictors of PLCD at 1 week were a low-fat diet (B = -0.177, p = 0.000) and a high score on a preoperative diarrhea scale (B = 0.311, p = 0.031). There was no predictor for PLCD 3 months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSION

We advise patients who have undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy to follow a low-fat diet for at least 1 week to reduce the possibility of diarrhea, especially when they are ≤45 years of age, of male sex, and had a high preoperative tendency for diarrhea.

The role of colonic mast cells and myenteric plexitis in patients with diverticular disease

BACKGROUND

Gut mast cells represent an important cell population involved in intestinal homeostasis and inflammatory processes. However, their possible role has not to date been investigated in colonic diverticular disease.

AIMS

This study aims to evaluate colonic mast cells in patients undergoing surgery for diverticular disease.

METHODS

Surgical resection samples from 27 patients undergoing surgery for diverticular disease (12 emergency procedures for severe disease and 15 elective procedures) were evaluated. The number of mast cells was assessed in the various layers by means of a specific antibody (tryptase) and compared with those evaluated in ten controls. In patients with mast cells degranulation, double immunohistochemistry, also assessing nerve fibres, was carried out. In addition, the presence of myenteric plexitis was sought.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, the number of mast cells in diverticular patients was significantly increased, both as an overall figure and in the various layers of the large bowel. In patients in whom mast cells degranulation was present, these were always closed to nerve fibres. No differences were found between the two subgroups of patients with respect to the number and distribution of mast cells; however, all patients undergoing emergency surgery (but none of those undergoing elective procedures) had myenteric plexitis, represented by lymphocytic infiltration in 67 % and eosinophilic infiltration in 33 % of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with diverticular disease display an increase of mast cells in the large bowel. The presence of myenteric plexitis in those with complicated, severe disease, suggest that this could represent a histopathologic marker of more aggressive disease.

Diverticular disease as a chronic illness: evolving epidemiologic and clinical insights

Diverticular disease imposes a significant burden on Western and industrialized societies. The traditional pathogenesis model posits that low dietary fiber predisposes to diverticulosis, and fecalith obstruction prompts acute diverticulitis that is managed with broad-spectrum antibiotics or surgery. However, a growing body of knowledge is shifting the paradigm of diverticular disease from an acute surgical illness to a chronic bowel disorder composed of recurrent abdominal symptoms and considerable psychosocial impact. New research implicates a role for low-grade inflammation, sensory-motor nerve damage, and dysbiosis in a clinical picture that mimics irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and even inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Far from being an isolated event, acute diverticulitis may be the catalyst for chronic symptoms including abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and "post-diverticulitis IBS." In addition, studies reveal lower health-related quality of life in patients with chronic diverticular disease vs. controls. Health-care providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for the multifaceted presentations of diverticular disease, and remain aware that it might contribute to long-term emotional distress beyond traditional diverticulitis attacks. These developments are prompting a shift in therapeutic approaches from widespread antimicrobials and supportive care to the use of probiotics, mesalamine, and gut-directed antibiotics. This review addresses the emerging literature regarding epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of chronic, symptomatic diverticular disease, and provides current answers to common clinical questions.

Aminosalicylates

Symptomatic diverticular disease has a high prevalence in countries with a western lifestyle. Besides antibiotics for acute diverticulitis there are no established medical interventions to prevent or to treat symptomatic diverticular disease. Due to its broad spectrum of anti-inflammatory activities, mesalazine is a candidate for the treatment of symptomatic diverticular disease. A review of the literature shows that randomized open studies using various treatment designs suggest a protective role of mesalazine in preventing recurrences of diverticulitis. Currently, 5 randomized placebo-controlled trials are active which will clarify the role of mesalazine to prevent recurrence of diverticulitis in the near future. Several randomized uncontrolled studies suggest that mesalazine improves symptoms in patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. The analysis of secondary end points from two randomized placebo-controlled trials suggests that mesalazine improves symptoms in diverticular disease although both studies failed to show a statistically significant advantage for mesalazine for the primary study end point. In segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis no prospective systematic studies are available. However, several case reports show a high efficacy of mesalazine in segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis.

Focal active colitis: a prospective study of clinicopathological correlations in 90 patients

AIMS

Considerable controversy exists about the clinical implication of a diagnosis of focal active colitis (FAC). The aim of this study was to assess clinicopathological correlations of FAC in 90 adults, representing the largest and only prospective series of FAC.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients were assessed by comprehensive clinical follow-up and questionnaires. Fifteen histopathological features were scored and correlated with clinical outcome. In 24% of patients drugs, especially NSAIDs, were implicated. Infection was a probable cause in 19%. In 14 patients (15.6%), predominantly women, a diagnosis of chronic inflammatory bowel disease was ultimately made. Most were Crohn's disease, but this is the first study in which FAC has presaged an ultimate diagnosis of ulcerative colitis in adults (in two patients). A specific subtype of FAC, termed basal FAC, was significantly associated with drugs. These excepted, this study has found no histopathological parameters of FAC, such as amount, location and/or distribution, to correlate with clinical outcome or allowed selection of those patients more likely to show subsequent evidence of chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

CONCLUSION

This study has provided powerful information on the implication of a diagnosis of FAC. In a small but not inconsiderable case number, the ultimate diagnosis will be chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

Segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis: a 5-year follow-up

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Literature data about the outcome of segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD) are scarce. Our aim was to assess the clinical outcome of SCAD according to the type of disease.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Twenty-seven SCAD patients underwent a 5-year follow-up (13 males, 14 females; mean age, 63.71 years; range, 50-85 years). Eleven patients were affected by type A, eight by type B, four by type C and four by type D SCAD. During the follow-up, all type B, C, and D patients were under continuous medical treatment. Five type A patients refused any maintaining treatment, but accepted to undergo the clinical, endoscopic, and histological follow-up.

RESULTS/FINDINGS

Five type A patients taking therapy (83.33%), two type A not taking therapy (50%), all type C patients (100%), five type B patients (62.5%) and none of type D (0%) were under continuous remission at the end of the follow-up. All type D patients required further steroid course to obtain remission, and two patients required azathioprine to maintain remission. INTERPRETATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: SCAD B and D patients fail to maintain long-term remission, often requiring immunosuppressive treatment. SCAD A and C patients show a more benign course; however, long-term treatment guarantees longer remission also in those patients.

Segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis: complication of diverticular disease or autonomous entity?

Segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD) is a disease that affects colon harboring diverticula, mostly located in the sigmoid region. It has been considered a rare disease for many years, but new studies may contribute to easier recognition. Although its pathogenesis is not yet well defined, in the past SCAD has been considered a complication of diverticular disease, whilst new endoscopic, histological, and clinical data have encouraged the concept that SCAD includes pathogenetic and therapeutic aspects peculiar to inflammatory bowel diseases. We therefore describe herein current knowledge about this disease, and why it can be considered a truly autonomous entity instead of a complication of diverticular disease.