An Inflamed, Giant, True, Extramural Duodenal Diverticulum: A Rare Autopsy Finding.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pathology

Background:

• Duodenal diverticula are uncommon gastrointestinal findings.
• True duodenal diverticula, especially extramural and inflamed, are exceptionally rare.

Observation:

• A post-mortem examination revealed a large (16x6 cm) hemorrhagic and cystic mass involving the pancreas and duodenum.
• Initial diagnosis was pancreatic pseudocyst, but histology confirmed a true duodenal diverticulum with muscular layers and neutrophilic infiltrate.

Findings:

• Histologic examination confirmed the mass as a true duodenal diverticulum, not a pseudocyst.
• The diverticulum showed inflammation (neutrophilic infiltrate).

Implications:

• This case highlights the rarity of giant, inflamed duodenal diverticula.
• Such findings, though rare, can be significant contributory factors to mortality, as suggested by dehydration and cardiomegaly in this case.