Endoscopy 2006; 38(6): 610-612
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-924985
Short Communication
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Segmental Colitis Associated with Diverticula: A 7-Year Follow-Up Study

G.  Imperiali1 , M.  M.  Terpin2 , G.  Meucci1 , A.  Ferrara2 , G.  Minoli1
  • 1 Department of Gastroenterology, Ospedale Valduce, Como, Italy
  • 2 Department of Gastroenterology, Ospedale di Legnano, Legnano, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Submitted 14 April 2005

Accepted after revision 23 August 2005

Publication Date:
12 April 2006 (online)

Background and Study Aims: We performed a long-term follow-up study of patients with segmental colitis associated with diverticula, in order to clarify the natural history of this disease.
Patients and Methods: We identified 15 patients who were diagnosed as having segmental colitis associated with diverticula during 1997. We assessed these patients by means of periodic follow-up visits from 1997 to 2004.
Results: Eight of the 15 patients had no clinical recurrence during follow-up. Five patients had sporadic recurrences that were clinically mild (on average, one in 5 years), which responded to topical therapy and often to self-medication. Only two patients were diagnosed during the follow-up period as having Crohn’s disease; notably, these were the only patients who did not have hematochezia as the main symptom at onset.
Conclusion: The course of this disease appears to be substantially benign.

References

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G. Imperiali, MD

Divisione di Gastroenterologia · Ospedale Generale di Zona ”Valduce“

Via Dante 11 · 22100 Como · Italy

Fax: +39-031308047

Email: g.imperiali@libero.it

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