Christopher D. Scheirey

Long-Term Follow-up After an Initial Episode of Diverticulitis: What Are the Predictors of Recurrence?

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to determine the clinical and CT predictors of recurrent disease after a first episode of diverticulitis that was successfully managed nonoperatively. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 954 consecutive patients who presented to our institution with diverticulitis from 2002 to 2008. Patients were identified with International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision/Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patients were excluded if they had subsequent colectomy based on the first attack (n = 81), or if the attack they had between 2002 and 2008 was not their first attack (n = 201). We evaluated CT variables chosen by a panel of expert gastrointestinal radiologists. These radiologists reviewed the available published literature for CT imaging characteristics thought to predict diverticulitis severity. CT variables (n = 20) were determined by prospective reevaluation of scans by blinded study radiologists. Clinical variables (n = 43) were coded based on a retrospective chart review. Univariate analysis of variables in relation to recurrent disease was performed by a log-rank test of Kaplan-Meier estimates. Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards modeling. Variables with P < .2 on univariate analysis were included in a stepwise selection algorithm. RESULTS: The study population included 672 patients; mean age, 61 ± 15 years; mean follow-up, 42.8 ± 24 months. The index presentation of diverticulitis was most commonly located in the sigmoid colon (72%), followed by descending colon (33%), right colon (5%), and transverse colon (3%). Overall recurrence at 5 years was 36% by (95% CI 31.4%–40.6%) Kaplan-Meier estimate. Complicated recurrence (fistula, abscess, free perforation) occurred in 3.9% (95% CI 2.2%–5.6%) of patients at 5 years by Kaplan-Meier estimate. Family history of diverticulitis (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4–3.2), length of involved colon >5 cm (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3–2.3), and retroperitoneal abscess (HR 4.5, 95% CI 1.1–18.4) were associated with diverticulitis recurrence. Right colon disease (HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09–0.86) was associated with freedom from recurrence. CONCLUSION: Although diverticulitis recurrence is common following an initial attack that has been managed medically, complicated recurrence is uncommon. Patients who present with a family history of diverticulitis, long segment of involved colon, and/or retroperitoneal abscess are at higher risk for recurrent disease. Patients who present with right-sided diverticulitis are at low risk for recurrent disease. These findings should be taken into consideration when counseling patients regarding the potential benefits of prophylactic colectomy.

Colonic Diverticulitis: Does Age Predict Severity of Disease on CT Imaging?

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to determine whether young patients with diverticulitis were more likely to present with abdominal CT evidence of severe disease. METHODS: We analyzed the abdominal CT scans of 932 patients who presented to our institution with CT scan findings consistent with diverticulitis from January 2002 through June 2007. Radiologists retrospectively reviewed all abdominal scans for the presence of imaging findings consistent with diverticulitis (bowel wall thickness, extraluminal air, free perforation, abscess, or fistula). The cohort was divided into 2 groups; patients ≤50 years of age and patients >51 years of age. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-three patients were ≤50 years and 689 patients were >51 years. Young patients were more likely to be male (63% vs 42%, P < .0001). Young patients had a higher proportion of scans with extraluminal air than older patients (19.7% vs 12.6%, P < .008). Young patients were more likely to present with severe disease found by CT than older patients (19.3% vs 11.5%). When we adjusted for gender, young males had a higher proportion of scans with extraluminal air than older males (22.4% vs 13.1%, P = .014). Young males were also more likely to present with severe disease (22% vs 12%). CONCLUSION: Young patients were more likely to have extraluminal air and severe disease found by CT. Young male patients presented more commonly with evidence of severe disease. They did not differ from older patients in rates of free perforation, abscess, or fistula formation.

Intramural Fat in the Duodenum and Proximal Small Intestine in Patients with Celiac Disease

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to describe and illustrate intramural fat in the duodenum and jejunum, to our knowledge a previously undescribed finding in celiac disease. CONCLUSION Celiac disease is known to produce inflammation of the duodenum and jejunum. We propose that postinflammatory intramural fat deposition occurs in a distribution likely unique for celiac disease. CT scans of the chest and abdomen obtained for many indications include these portions of the bowel. Celiac disease is now recognized as a common disease, and the recognition of intramural fat in the duodenum and jejunum on CT may allow earlier diagnosis.

Computed tomography of miscellaneous regional and diffuse small bowel disorders.

This article reviews the computed tomography (CT) findings of miscellaneous regional and diffuse small bowel disorders. CT technique and potential pitfalls are discussed. Several categories of regional and diffuse small bowel conditions are reviewed, with representative CT images. These disorders often have relatively nonspecific CT appearances, and correlation with the history, clinical, and laboratory findings in each specific case is critical. In selected conditions, the CT findings are highly specific. The imaging literature of some of the common as well as some of the less common entities is reviewed, and clues to narrowing the differential diagnosis are provided.