Multiple jejunal diverticulitis presenting with acute intestinal obstruction: a diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

Acquired and congenital diverticula of the jejunum in the adult are unusual entity. Most of them being pulsion diverticulum are mostly the result of intestinal dyskinesia. These lesions are usually asymptomatic and may produce chronic symptoms and an acute complication in a patient. It is because of the rarity of the entity that they often produce a diagnostic as well as therapeutic dilemma resulting in unnecessary morbidity and mortality. These diverticula should not always be dismissed as incidental for they may be the underlying cause of some vague symptomatology. Complications arising from these lesions are rare but do definitely occur. Optimal treatment of these lesions requires an understanding of their anatomy and the disease process they produce. We report a case of multiple jejunal diverticulitis in a 40 year old patient presenting with acute abdomen and discuss the clinical as well as diagnostic aspects along with a management algorithm in such patients.