Diverticulitis of the right colon

Diverticulitis of the right colon is a relatively uncommon disease that usually mimics acute appendicitis. Most patients are operated on early, and a barium enema is not commonly obtained. Five cases with barium studies are presented. In four of the five cases an intramural mass effect and evidence of involvement of the colonic wall were present. Diverticula of the right colon were found in all five patients. If the diagnosis is made without surgery, medical therapy is usually successful.