Postcolonoscopy Diverticulitis

ACG Case Rep J. 2024 May 10;11(5):e01362. doi: 10.14309/crj.0000000000001362. eCollection 2024 May.

Abstract

Colonoscopy, generally safe but not devoid of risks, can lead to rare complications. We present 2 cases of postcolonoscopy diverticulitis (PCD). Case 1 was a 63-year-old woman, following colonoscopy, who developed acute sigmoid diverticulitis, despite a Diverticular Inflammation and Complication Assessment (DICA) score of 2, indicating extensive diverticulosis without inflammation. Conservative management with antibiotics led to recovery. Remarkably, she experienced a recurrent episode. Case 2 was a 74-year-old woman who had 2 colonoscopies, revealing pancolonic diverticulosis (DICA score: 2) without inflammation. After the second procedure, she developed severe sigmoid diverticulitis, managed conservatively with antibiotics. Discussion highlights PCD's rarity (prevalence: 0.04%-0.08%) and unclear pathogenesis. Both cases had DICA scores ≥2, suggesting a potential risk factor. Clinicians should recognize PCD, as it can mimic more common postcolonoscopy complications. Early recognition and management are vital.

Keywords: DICA score; colonoscopy; complication; conservative management; diverticulitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports