ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Duodenal diverticulum (DD) is the second most common diverticulum, yet its incidence varies widely from 1-22% based on the mode of investigation. Computed Tomography (CT) of abdomen is the preferred modality to diagnose acute abdomen including those of complications of DD. Moreover, the prevalence of DD in Indian population is not yet been studied using CT. AIM: The current study aim to look for the prevalence of DD in Indian population using Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) abdomen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was done to assess the presence of DD using the CECT abdomen of 565 patients. The number, size, location, wall thickness and the contents of the diverticulum were noted. The data obtained was analysed using SPSS version 17.0. The mean, percentage of frequency of each variable and the association of DD with pancreatitis, cholelithiasis and colonic diverticulum were also looked for. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for all categorical variables. Spearman's rho correlation was done for age, diameter and content of DD. RESULTS: The prevalence of DD in Indian population was 8.3% with the mean diameter of 17.13mm+7.26. The prevalence increased with age with no sex predilection. 89.3% were solitary and 10.64% were multiple. It was predominantly seen in the second part of duodenum (90.38%) and juxtapapillary type was the commonest. As the diameter of DD increased, fluid became its content. No significant association was observed between the presence of DD with pancreatitis, cholelithiasis or colonic diverticulum. A case of periampullary carcinoma arising from DD, a rare entity is being reported in this study. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of DD in Indian population is high compared to western population. DD has been attributed to the cases of acute abdomen and fluid alone as a content of DD with an incidence of 1.92% can be mistaken for a cystic neoplasm of pancreas. Rarely, a periampullary carcinoma can also arise from the wall of the pre-existing DD. This knowledge should be emphasised upon by the radiologist, surgeons and gastroenterologist who will be dealing with cases of acute abdomen and periampullary carcinoma.
