Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 4, 2025
Murine Distal Colostomy, A Novel Model of Diversion Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: July 12, 2018
Acquired Diverticulosis of the Entire Colon in a Cadaver
Jean-Marc P Lucas1, Carey A Roberts2, Carly A Gunderson3
1Anatomy, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, USA.
Insights
A rare case of pancolonic diverticulosis, affecting the entire colon, was found in a cadaver. This unusual presentation, with most diverticula in the right colon, highlights potential links to systemic diseases and recurrent diverticulitis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Diverticulosis, characterized by the presence of diverticula in the colon, is common in Western societies, typically affecting the sigmoid colon.
- Pancolonic diverticulosis, involving the entire colon, is considered rare, particularly in Western populations.
Observation:
- A routine autopsy revealed extensive diverticulosis throughout the entire colon of a 74-year-old Caucasian female cadaver.
- A total of 413 diverticula were identified, with a majority originating from the ascending and transverse colon, an atypical distribution.
Findings:
- Histological examination confirmed the diverticula as pseudodiverticula, indicating an acquired condition.
- The atypical distribution of diverticula in the right and transverse colon was noted.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing rare presentations of diverticular disease.
- Pancolonic diverticulosis may be associated with systemic conditions like collagen disorders and vascular complications.
- Understanding such cases is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Abstract:
Diverticulosis involving the entire colon is rare in Western society. During a routine dissection of a 74-year-old Caucasian female cadaver, who died from vascular disease complications, diverticula were observed in the ascending, transverse, and descending colon. A total of 413 diverticula were manually counted. The majority of diverticula arose from the right and transverse colon, which is atypical of the disease in Western society. Histological examination of sections from sample diverticula reveals morphology consistent with pseudodiverticula, suggestive of acquired disease. Pancolonic diverticulosis may be associated with systemic diseases such as collagen disorders, vascular complications, and increased risk of recurrent diverticulitis. This case is an example of a rare manifestation of diverticular disease that is important for clinicians to recognize when evaluating and treating patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:25Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy