Does uncomplicated diverticular disease produce symptoms?

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Radiology

Background:

• Diverticular disease is a common condition affecting the colon.
• The relationship between specific bowel symptoms and the presence of diverticula is not always clear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether specific gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with uncomplicated diverticular disease.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire on bowel symptoms was given to 97 outpatients prior to air-contrast barium enema.
• Radiologists interpreted barium enema results blinded to questionnaire responses.

Main Results:

• Forty-nine patients had normal x-rays, and 27 had uncomplicated diverticular disease.
• Symptoms such as weight loss, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and nocturnal pain were equally prevalent in both groups.
• Symptoms of colon dysfunction, including altered bowel habits and distension, were also equally prevalent.

Conclusions:

• No specific symptoms could be definitively ascribed to the presence of diverticula.
• The study highlights the difficulty in correlating patient-reported symptoms with radiographic findings of diverticular disease.