RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The appearance of inverted colonic diverticula (ICD) is similar to that of elevated polypoid lesions. The aim of this study was to describe the endoscopic characteristics of ICD with a view to avoiding misdiagnosis, and to report the frequency of these lesions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Using an endoscopic database, we retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent colonoscopy at our institution between July 2001 and July 2004. Patients diagnosed with ICD were identified and both patient and ICD characteristics were recorded, including location, endoscopic characteristics, and the presence of synchronous colon polyps. RESULTS: Among the 4508 colonoscopies performed in the selected period, 33 patients (0.7%) were diagnosed with ICD. The mean age was 62.3 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.2. Most ICD (89%) were in an area of multiple colonic diverticula and 75% were located in the sigmoid colon. One patient had active bleeding directly from the inverted diverticulum and was treated with injection therapy. The endoscopic characteristics of ICDs were described. There were no complications in this series. CONCLUSIONS: ICD is a rare endoscopic finding that can be complicated by local bleeding. Misdiagnosis can be dangerous and biopsy or endoscopic resection could lead to serious complications. The endoscopic criteria described should be considered to avoid the complications associated with biopsy or resection.