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Acute diverticulitis in young adults

T J Mader1

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Springfield, Massachusetts 01199.

The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|November 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Diverticular disease, including diverticulitis, is not exclusive to older adults. This review highlights that diverticulitis is more common in patients under 40 than previously thought.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Colorectal Surgery

Background:

  • Diverticular disease of the colon is typically diagnosed in older populations.
  • Symptoms before age 40 are considered rare in the general understanding of diverticular disease.

Observation:

  • Two cases of sigmoid diverticulitis with rupture occurred in young female patients.
  • These cases prompted a literature review on early-onset diverticulitis.

Findings:

  • Diverticulitis prevalence in patients under 40 is higher than previously suspected.
  • Young female patients can present with severe diverticular disease.

Implications:

  • Clinical suspicion for diverticulitis should be considered in younger patients presenting with abdominal pain.
  • Further research is needed to understand the risk factors and management of diverticulitis in young adults.

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