Colonic diverticulosis complicated by haemorrhage and diverticulitis

Abstract

Background: Diverticular disease is common in Western countries following the advent of industrialized methods of th food processing in the 20 century. Although uncommon in the developing countries prompt diagnosis of the condition should be made in order not to miss a potentially lethal but treatable condition.
Methods: We reviewed the case records of a 78 year old man who presented with constipation, abdominal pain and abdominal distension of three months duration.
Results: Barium enema confirmed diverticulitis. He recovered on conservative treatment but re-presented 3 months later with massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding which was also managed conservatively and was then discharged for follow up.
Conclusion: Prompt diagnosis of diverticular disease is necessary in order not to miss a potentially lethal but treatable condition.

Key words: Diverticulitis, Bleeding, Barium enema