[Complications of colonic diverticular disease during rheumatoid polyarthritis: 7 cases].

INTRODUCTION: Among the gastrointestinal adverse effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and corticoids are mentioned complications of colonic diverticular disease. However, very few studies have described their consequences in rheumatoid arthritis.

EXEGESIS: We report on seven patients who were admitted in our department between 1984 and 1997. All patients received corticoids and another antirheumatic drug (gold salts, hydroxychloroquine, immunosuppressive drugs); treatment also included NSAID in four cases. Two patients had a necrotizing vasculitis accompanying rheumatoid arthritis. Intestinal accompanying diseases were the following: one diverticulitis, three colonic perforations with pelviperitonitis, one colovesical fistula, one pelvic abscess, and one diverticular hemorrhage. All patients underwent surgery with positive results.

CONCLUSION: Combination of the four following symptoms: fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and hemorrhage, can uncover a complication of colónic diverticular disease occurring in the course of rheumatoid arthritis. It should be investigated, even if no history of diverculosis may be evidenced.