Non-Meckel’s Ileal Diverticulitis with Perforation: a Rare Cause of Acute Right Lower Quadrant Pain

Abstract

A man, aged 74, presented with a rare clinical entity of an acute surgical abdomen similar to acute appendicitis. This case showed a non-Meckel’s ileal diverticulitis that was complicated with a diverticular perforation and associated peritonitis. This is a very rare but potential life-threatening surgical emergency, mimicking the clinical presentation of acute appendicitis. The subject of small bowel non-Meckel’s diverticulitis is reviewed because of the rarity of this condition and the diagnostic challenges it poses.

Key words:

• Small bowel diverticulitis
• bowel perforation.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

J. De Raet

J. De Raet, M.D. Department of Surgery Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel) Laarbeeklaan 101 1090 Brussels, Belgium Tel.: + 32 2 476 30 61 Fax: + 32 2 477 84 26 E-mail: [email protected] j deraet @ uzbrussel .be