Acute Transverse Colon Diverticulitis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Diverticular disease is a condition that ranges from asymptomatic disease to severe complications, such as abscesses, fistulas, and perforations. It is prevalent in Western countries, with up to 60% of people aged 60 having diverticula. In Asian countries, the prevalence is lower, ranging from 13 to 25%. Diverticulitis can occur in any location of the diverticula, with increasing incidence with age. Complications occur in 12% of patients with diverticulitis, with phlegmon or abscesses being the most common. Perforation is a life-threatening complication with a 1-year mortality rate of 20%. Recent studies suggest that chronic inflammation and alteration of the gut microbiome may play a role in diverticulitis, leading to a less aggressive and conservative approach to treatment. Even though diverticular disease represents a very common clinical entity, diverticula located in the transverse colon it is an extremely rare presentation. We present the case of a 39-year-old female with a history of multiple medical conditions who presented to the Emergency Room (ER) with severe diffuse abdominal pain predominantly in the right lower quadrant associated with shortness of breath. Upon physical examination, she was found to have severe pain, bilateral rhonchi, and a diffusely tender abdomen with guarding without rebound tenderness. Lab analysis showed leukocytosis, and a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed acute transverse diverticulitis which was treated medically.