Diverticula of the vermiform appendix. Alternatives of clinical presentation and significance.

The vermiform appendix can be the site of development of diverticula which may suffer either inflammatory complications with or without appendicitis or may only be an incidental finding in an uninflamed appendix. This is a retrospective study of 10 of 575 cases of consecutive appendices removed and examined within a year, with single or multiple appendiceal diverticula with diverticulitis and peridiverticulitis. In six of the 10, the lumen of the appendix did not show any inflammatory changes. In conclusion, one could assume that inflammatory complications of the appendiceal diverticula, although they may mimic acute appendicitis, are quite distinct clinical entities. Acute appendicitis in the presence of appendiceal diverticula may carry an earlier and higher rate of perforation and appendiceal diverticula, as an incidental finding, may justify appendectomy on occasion.