A disconcerting false gastric diverticulum mimicking malignancy

Abstract

Gastric diverticula are the most uncommon form of gastrointestinal diverticula. They can either be of true or false type with different pathogenesis. They may be very challenging to diagnose as symptoms are nonspecific and imaging can simulate a malignant lesion. We report an unusual case of pre-pyloric diverticulum in a 69-year-old man, leading to severe gastric obstruction with a poor general condition. As subsequent endoscopy and imaging were alarming and couldn't exclude malignancy, the patient underwent an antrectomy. The final diagnosis was made on pathological examination. We discuss, through this case, the clinical and pathological features of gastric diverticula with an emphasis on the pathogenesis of this rare entity and the risk of a malignant transformation.