[Diverticula of the appendix and their complications: value of sonography (review of 21 cases)].

PURPOSE: Diverticulosis is defined by the presence of diverticula along any segment of the GI tract. Diverticulosis and its associated complications may involve the appendix. The imaging and histological findings of 21 cases of diverticulitis of the appendix are reviewed.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Sonography, because of its high spatial resolution, is an ideal imaging technique to diagnose diverticulitis of the appendix.

RESULTS

Similar to diverticulosis of the large bowel, diverticula of the appendix correspond to pseudo-diverticula composed of mucosa and sub mucosa herniating through the muscular layer. Chronic inflammatory changes affect the surrounding appendicular wall, as confirmed by histological examination. Clinical symptoms range from chronic right lower quadrant abdominal pain to acute appendicitis and even peritonitis.

CONCLUSION

Based on this retrospective analysis of 21 cases, it is possible to describe the specific and sensitive imaging findings for diagnosis of simple and complicated forms of diverticulitis of the appendix. Surgery is the treatment of choice because of the high risk of perforation.