Jejunoileal Diverticulosis and Its Complications

Acquired diverticula of the jejunum and ileum are uncommon and asymptomatic in the majority of patients. They should not always be dismissed as an incidental finding, because they may be the cause of vague, chronic symptomatology. Acute complications, including intestinal obstruction, hemorrhage and perforation, are rare, but may necessitate immediate surgical intervention. Due to the relative rarity of these lesions and their complications, diagnosis is often difficult and delayed. The high mortality of the acute complications is related to delayed diagnosis and the advanced age of the patients. Four cases with complications of jejunoileal diverticulosis and three cases of asymptomatic jejunoileal diverticula are presented and the literature is reviewed.