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Clinical features of symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease: a multicenter Italian survey

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International Journal of Colorectal Disease Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Clinical features of symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease are poorly investigated. Abdominal symptoms may be similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome. This survey aimed to assess clinical features associated with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease.

Methods

This multicenter survey included consecutive outpatients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease to whom a detailed clinical questionnaire regarding demographic, lifestyle, and clinical features was administered. Diagnosis was based on the presence of diverticula and abdominal pain/discomfort. Irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia were assessed according to Rome III criteria.

Results

A total of 598 patients (50 % female, age 69 years), 71 % with newly diagnosed symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease and 29 % with history of colonic diverticula, were recruited. Diverticula were localized in the left colon in 78 % of the patients. Recurrent short-lived abdominal pain (<24 h) was present in 70 % (relieved by evacuation in 73 %), prolonged abdominal pain (>24 h) in 27 %, and recurrent abdominal bloating in 61 % of the patients. Normal, loose, or hard stools were reported by 58, 29, and 13 % of patients, respectively. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like and functional dyspepsia-like symptoms were recorded in 59 and 7 % of patients, respectively. IBS-like symptoms (odds ratio, 4.3) were associated in patients with prolonged abdominal pain.

Conclusions

Symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease is associated with a gender ratio of 1:1 and an unspecific clinical picture mainly characterized by normal stools, short-lived abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, IBS-like symptoms, while functional dyspepsia-like symptoms are not commonly present. These findings suggest that symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease often shows similar findings rather than overlaps IBS.

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Acknowledgments

Participating centers Annibale B, Department of Digestive and Liver Disease, University Sapienza, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome; Barbara G, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of Bologna; Bassotti G, Corazzi N, Carlani E, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia; Bottiglieri E, Gastroenterology Unit, Marcianise’s Hospital, Caserta; Civiletti C, Gastroenterology Unit, Marcianise’s Hospital,Caserta; Casetti T, Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Santa Maria delle Croci Hospital, Ravenna; Cuomo R, Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Naples, Naples; Di Sapio M, Gastroenterology Unit, Park Hospital, Massa di Somma, Naples; Maconi G, Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, L. Sacco University Hospital, Milan; Marchi S, Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa; Di Sapio M, Gastroenterology Unit, Park Hospital, Massa di Somma, Naples; Usai P, Department of Internal Medicine, Cagliari University, Cagliari; Vozzella Letizia, Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Digestive and Liver Disease, University Sapienza, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy

    Bruno Annibale & Edith Lahner

  2. Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, L. Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy

    Giovanni Maconi

  3. Department of Internal Medicine, Cagliari University, Cagliari, Italy

    Paolo Usai

  4. Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

    Santino Marchi

  5. Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy

    Gabrio Bassotti

  6. Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    Giovanni Barbara

  7. Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy

    Rosario Cuomo

  8. Dipartimento medico-chirurgico di scienze cliniche, tecnobiomediche e medicina traslazionale, University Sapienza, Ospedale Sant’Andrea, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189, Rome, Italy

    Bruno Annibale

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  1. Bruno Annibale
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  2. Edith Lahner
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Correspondence to Bruno Annibale or Rosario Cuomo.

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Annibale, B., Lahner, E., Maconi, G. et al. Clinical features of symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease: a multicenter Italian survey. Int J Colorectal Dis 27, 1151–1159 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-012-1488-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-012-1488-5

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