The complicated duodenal diverticulum: retrospective analysis of 11 cases.

Objective: A series of rare complicated duodenal diverticula were reported with emphasis on causes for misdiagnosis.

Methods: Patients with a discharge diagnosis of complicated duodenal diverticulum were retrospectively obtained. Computed tomographic (CT) reports and findings were reviewed.

Results: Complications consisted of diverticulitis (n=2), perforation (n=7), or obstructive cholangitis (n=2). CT imaging demonstrated a duodenal diverticular structure with findings due to the kind of complications. At the time of CT interpretation, a complicated duodenal diverticulum was suspected in 5 out of 11 patients.

Conclusions: Awareness of the duodenal diverticulum and complications may improve the diagnostic value of CT in this setting.