Risk Prediction in Diverticulitis

Acute diverticulitis is a common sequela of colonic diverticulosis that often poses a significant dilemma for surgeons and patients considering surgical management of the disease. Importantly, the decision to recommend surgery for patients with diverticular disease hinges on identifying those who will benefit most in terms of preventing future disease-related complications. This review focuses on identifying patient risk factors that are predictive of onset of diverticulitis, recurrence of disease, and progression to complicated disease, such as abscess, fistula, or stricture, and aims to assist clinicians with counseling patients who are considering surgery versus medical management. Specifically, a variety of modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors have been identified across several studies that have strong associations with the development of diverticulitis, recurrence of uncomplicated disease, and progression to complicated disease. A handful of clinical scores have been described to guide surgeons and patients on their individual risk; however, none have been adopted into wider clinical practice. A novel polygenic risk score does show promise in potentially fulfilling this role. Nevertheless, there is significant room for innovation and development of new methods to risk-stratify patients presenting with the spectrum of diverticular disease.