DISEASE COURSE OF SEGMENTAL COLITIS ASSOCIATED TO DIVERTICULOSIS

Aims This study aims to provide new data about the prevalence and the disease course of segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD)

Methods We retrospectively reviewed a prospective cohort of 10438 patients undergoing a colonoscopy at our unit from 2014 to 2020. Data were collected and analyzed in order to evaluate prevalence and clinical course of SCAD assessed with clinical and endoscopic remission rate, incidence of complications and mortality.

Results Out of 10438 patients undergoing colonoscopy 2256 (21.6%) had diverticular disease, and 122 (1.1%) received a diagnosis of SCAD. Overall, 85 patients (69.7%) were male, 99 (81%) had comorbidities, only 33 (27%) were asymptomatic, 40 (32.8) had a previous diagnosis of diverticular disease. Mean age was 64.8+/- 12 years, while mean clinical follow up was 42.5+/-24 months. 22 patients presented an endoscopical follow up (21.6+/- 30 months). Clinical remission rate was 96.7%. Switch to an inflammatory bowel disease was observed in 3.3%. Access to emergency department for complicated diverticular disease were registered in 15 patients (12.3%). Adenomatous polyps and colorectal cancer were observed in 39 (31.9%) and 2 patients (1.6%), respectively. Overall mortality and surgery rate were 0 and 5%, respectively.

At the univariate analysis, no variables were associated to clinical remission. A familial history for gastrointestinal disease (p=0.02), and age (p=0.02) were associated to access to emergency department

Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the largest study assessing the disease course of SCAD. Forthcoming studies, with a larger sample and adequate endoscopic follow-up are needed

Publication History

Article published online:
14 April 2022