Surgically Managed Perforated Jejunal Diverticulitis

A 71-year-old male with a past medical history significant for chronic constipation presented to the emergency department for acute onset of severe abdominal pain. On presentation, the patient appeared to be in distress, exemplifying signs of peritonitis despite vital signs being grossly benign. CT scan established the diagnosis of a perforated jejunal diverticulitis. Initially, the patient was managed conservatively with IV fluids, antibiotics, and pain control medications. Diagnostic imaging in tandem with the patient's failure to improve incited surgical intervention with a jejunal resection and establishment of a primary anastomosis. This case illustrates additional differential diagnoses necessary for consideration in an elderly patient presenting with an acute abdomen.