Diverticular complications of renal failure

Ten patients with chronic renal failure presented with complications of colonic diverticula. Five had acute diverticulitis, 4 perforated diverticula, and 1 lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Symptoms were less severe than expected. In 3 the diagnosis was first suspected when free intra-abdominal air was detected. Seven patients had laparotomy, 5 emergently. Radiologists should be aware of the potential for diverticular complication in patients with renal failure, even with minimal or absent symptoms. Suspicion of colonic pathology either clinically or radiographically should be evaluated promptly so that aggressive therapy can begin.