Learning objectives
To demonstrate types of gastrointestinal tract diverticula
To discuss common and rare complications of gastrointestinal diverticula
To review common imaging features of diverticula and diverticular complications
Background
A diverticulum is defined an outpouching of a hollow organ.
The entirety of the gastrointestinal tract can be affected by varying numbers and types of diverticula.
These diverticula,
including upper tract and lower tract diverticula,
can be sources of significant morbidity and even mortality through complications such as bleeding,
infection,
fistula formation,
and perforation.
Gastrointestinal diverticula can be subdivided into true and false diverticula and also acquired and congenital diverticula.
A true diverticulum contains all layers of the organ wall.
A false diverticulum does not...
Findings and procedure details
Gastrointestinal Diverticula
There are many varying types of gastrointestinal diverticula.
Many are defined by the location they occur in while others are often defined by their characteristics.
Oral Cavity Diverticulum
An oral cavity diverticulum is a very rare type of false diverticulum.
There have been approximately 10 case reports identified in the literature.
These diverticula generally arise from the buccal mucosa and are a false diverticulum as a result of a defect through the buccinator muscle.
Zenker's Diverticulum
A Zenker’s diverticulum is a false diverticulum....
Conclusion
There are many types of gastrointestinal diverticula with varying degrees of severity.
Upper and lower gastrointestinal diverticula and their complications can be evaluated on fluoroscopy,
CT,
MR,
and US.
Recognition and awareness of complications of these diverticula may help guide management and improve morbidity.
References
Horton KM,
Corl FM,
Fishman EK.
CT evaluation of the colon: inflammatory disease.
Radiographics 2000; 20: 399-418
Schramm D,
Bach AG,
Zipprich A,
Surov A.
Imaging findings of gastric diverticula.
The Scientific World Journal 2014; 1-5
Sheiman,
L,
Levine MS,
Levin AA,
et al.
Chronic diverticulitis: clinical,
radiographic,
and pathologic findings.
American Journal of Roentgenology 2008; 191:522-528