Segmental Colitis Associated with Diverticulosis

Abstract

Segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis is a pathology of recent knowledge, whose pathogenesis is still poorly defined. Diagnosis is mainly based on colonoscopy and histopathological study. Clinical features are chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramps in the lower right quadrant, and intermittent hematochezia. The diagnosis is evidenced by colonoscopy showing inflammation in the colic mucosa between the diverticula, sparing the diverticular orifice associated with an anatomopathological condition showing chronic inflammation. The involvement is preferably sigmoid and may involve a descending colon, sparing the rectum. The treatment is similar to that of inflammatory bowel diseases in mild forms, but recent studies have presented new alternatives with good results. The treatment is not yet well defined, and antibiotics, mesalamine, and corticoid therapy can be used, and surgery can even be performed for refractory cases.