Diverticular disease and diverticulitis

Am J Gastroenterol. 2008 Jun;103(6):1550-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2008.01879.x. Epub 2008 May 13.

Abstract

Diverticular disease is one of the most prevalent medical conditions to affect Western populations. Symptomatic diverticular disease can range from mild, low-level symptomatology similar to that seen in irritable bowel syndrome to acute bouts of diverticulitis complicated by abscess or frank perforation. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of the spectrum of diverticular disease, including mention of recent advances in the treatment of chronic diverticular disease with aminosalicyclates and probiotics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diverticulitis / diagnosis*
  • Diverticulitis / etiology*
  • Diverticulitis / therapy
  • Diverticulum, Colon / diagnosis*
  • Diverticulum, Colon / etiology*
  • Diverticulum, Colon / therapy
  • Humans
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / complications
  • Risk Factors