Colonic diverticular abscess presenting as chronic diarrhea: a case report

Cases J. 2009 Dec 23:2:9389. doi: 10.1186/1757-1626-2-9389.

Abstract

Introduction: Several complications have been reported with diverticular disease of colon. Perforation of the diverticulum of colon may lead to development of abdominal abscesses which can have diverse manifestations.

Case presentation: This report describes a 72 year-old woman presented with a one month history of non-bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and low grade fever. Computed tomography scan confirmed presence of a large local air-fluid level within the culdesac area. Laparotomy revealed a large pelvic abscess which was surrounded between rectosigmoid and uterus with severe tissue necrosis of rectosigmoid colon and uterus.

Conclusion: Although rarely reported, abdominal abscesses due to colonic diverticulitis may present as refractory chronic diarrhea.