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Diverticular perforation masquerading as maxillary sinusitis.
Michael C Hollingshead1, David M Warshauer
1Department of Radiology, CB 7510, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510, USA. david_warshauer@med.unc.edu
Emergency Radiology
|August 31, 2006
Summary
A perforated sigmoid diverticulum can present with unusual symptoms like sinusitis and hip fracture. Subcutaneous craniofacial emphysema was the key finding leading to this rare diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Diagnosis
Background:
- Diverticular perforation and diverticulitis are common conditions.
- Diagnosis is typically straightforward based on clinical presentation and imaging.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms mimicking maxillary sinusitis and hip fracture.
- Initial diagnostic workup did not immediately suggest gastrointestinal pathology.
Findings:
- Subcutaneous craniofacial emphysema was identified as a significant clinical finding.
- This led to the definitive diagnosis of a perforated sigmoid diverticulum with abscess.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare presentations of common diseases.
- Emphasizes the diagnostic value of recognizing uncommon physical findings like craniofacial emphysema.
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