Definition of Diverticular Disease

Diverticula are saclike mucosal pouches that protrude from a tubular structure.

True diverticula of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract contain all layers of the GI wall. Esophageal diverticula Esophageal Diverticula An esophageal diverticulum is an outpouching of mucosa through the muscular layer of the esophagus. It can be asymptomatic or cause dysphagia and regurgitation. Diagnosis is made by barium swallow... read more (including Zenker diverticula) and Meckel diverticula Meckel Diverticulum Meckel diverticulum is a true diverticulum and is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, occurring in about 2% of people. It is caused by incomplete obliteration of... read more are true diverticula.

False or pseudo-diverticula are mucosal and submucosal protrusions through the muscular wall of the bowel. Colonic diverticula Colonic Diverticulosis Colonic diverticulosis is the presence of one or more diverticula in the colon. Most diverticula are asymptomatic, but some become inflamed or bleed. Diagnosis is by colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy... read more are pseudodiverticula.

A single pouch is called a diverticulum and ≥ 2 pouches are called diverticula. These terms are occasionally used incorrectly.

Diverticulosis Colonic Diverticulosis Colonic diverticulosis is the presence of one or more diverticula in the colon. Most diverticula are asymptomatic, but some become inflamed or bleed. Diagnosis is by colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy... read more is the presence of one or more diverticula.

Diverticular disease is characterized as symptomatic diverticulosis (1 General reference Diverticula are saclike mucosal pouches that protrude from a tubular structure. True diverticula of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract contain all layers of the GI wall. Esophageal diverticula... read more ).

Diverticulitis Colonic Diverticulitis Diverticulitis is inflammation with or without infection of a diverticulum, which can result in phlegmon of the bowel wall, peritonitis, perforation, fistula, or abscess. The primary symptom... read more is inflammation with or without infection of a diverticulum.