Case report: Jejunal diverticulosis with chronic interstitial and mesenteric adhesions, chronic mesenteric volvulus, and decompensated small-bowel obstruction

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2024 Apr:117:109549. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109549. Epub 2024 Mar 19.

Abstract

Introduction: Jejunal diverticulosis has not gained significant attention because of its rarity and typically asymptomatic course as well as the relative diagnostic inaccessibility of the jejunum. This report presents a rare case of jejunal diverticulosis complicated with chronic interstitial and mesenteric adhesions, chronic mesenteric volvulus, and decompensated small-bowel obstruction.

Presentation of case: An 84-year-old man was admitted to the emergency room with a 24-h history of acute colicky abdominal pain. He denied other signs or symptoms. The preoperative diagnosis based on physical and radiologic evaluations was challenging, and only diagnostic laparoscopy revealed extensive small-bowel diverticulosis. Midline laparotomy was performed as definitive surgery, revealing diverticulosis in the proximal 2-m section of the jejunum, starting approximately 20 cm from Treitz's ligament; the affected section was resected. The postoperative recovery was excellent. The histopathologic report confirmed substantial jejunal diverticulosis with chronic fibrosis, adhesions, and strictures.

Discussion: Histopathologic evaluation is necessary because tumors can be misdiagnosed as diverticula. This case report should serve as a reminder for surgeons to be cognizant of the signs of uncommon conditions, such as jejunal diverticulosis.

Conclusion: Albeit rare, jejunal diverticulosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen.

Keywords: Case report; Diagnostic laparoscopy; Diverticulosis; Jejunum; Obstruction, mesenteric volvulus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports