Solitary diverticulitis of the right colon

Inflammation of a solitary diverticulum of the right colon is uncommon; approximately 500 cases have been reported. A 72-year-old woman underwent laparotomy for possible appendicitis. Unexpectedly, a mass was found in the ascending colon close to the ileocecal junction. Carcinoma was suspected and right hemicolectomy was done. The pathological diagnosis was acute suppurative solitary diverticulitis with perforation and pericolic abscess. From his case and a review of the literature the author concludes that inflammation in a solitary diverticulum of the cecum is a distinct entity. Its etiology is uncertain, but a congenital origin is widely accepted. Clinically it mimics appendicitis; at operation it is often indistinguishable from carcinoma. Roentgenogram after a barium enema is diagnostic. The condition is treated by diverticulectomy, wedge resection or colectomy. Abscesses are drained.