The role of quantitative radiological measures of visceral adiposity in diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: Diverticular disease has been linked to obesity. Recent studies have assessed the role of visceral adiposity with diverticulitis and its complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of quantitative radiological measures of visceral adiposity in patients with diverticulitis with vital signs, biochemistry results, uncomplicated versus complicated diverticulitis and its interventions. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients with diverticulitis admitted from November 2015 to April 2018 at a single institution was performed. Data collected included demographics, vital signs, biochemistry results, CT scan findings and management outcomes. The patients were divided into uncomplicated (U) and complicated diverticulitis (C) groups. Visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and VFA/SFA ratio (V/S) were measured at L4/L5 level by the radiologist. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the association of VFA, SFA, V/S with the parameters in both U and C groups. RESULTS: 352 patients were included in this study (U:C = 265:87). There was no significant difference in vital signs and biochemistry results in both groups. There was no significant difference in VFA, SFA, V/S ratios in both groups. In patients with V/S ratio > 0.4, they were 5.06 times more likely to undergo emergency intervention (95% CI 1.10-23.45) (p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, a heart rate > 100 (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.2-6.7), CRP > 50 (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.9-6.0), WCC < 4 or > 12 (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.6) and V/S ratio > 0.4 (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.5-5.4) were predictive of complicated diverticulitis. CONCLUSION: The quantitative radiological measurement of visceral adiposity is useful in prognostication in patients presenting with diverticulitis.

Opportunistic use of radiological measures of visceral adiposity for assessment of risk of colorectal adenoma.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggested that radiological measures of visceral adiposity are a better tool for risk assessment of colorectal adenomas. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of visceral adiposity with the development of colorectal adenomas. METHODS: A retrospective review of all cases of computed tomography-confirmed acute diverticulitis from November 2015 to April 2018 was performed. Data collated included basic demographics, computed tomography scan results (uncomplicated versus complicated diverticulitis), treatment modality (conservative versus intervention), outcomes and follow-up colonoscopy results within 12 months of presentation. The patients were divided into no adenoma (A) and adenoma (B) groups. Visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and VFA/SFA ratio (V/S) were measured at L4/L5 level. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluation the association of VFA, SFA, V/S and different thresholds with the risk of adenoma formation. RESULTS: A total of 169 patients were included in this study (A:B = 123:46). The mean ± standard deviation for VFA was higher in group B (201 ± 87 cm2 versus 176 ± 79 cm2 ) with a trend towards statistical significance (P = 0.08). There was no difference in SFA and V/S in both groups. When the VFA >200 cm2 was analysed, it was associated with a threefold risk of adenoma formation (odds ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.35-5.50, P = 0.006). Subgroup analysis of gender with VFA, SFA and V/S found that males have a significantly higher VFA in group B (220.0 ± 95.2 cm2 versus 187.3 ± 69.2 cm2 ; P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The radiological measurement of visceral adiposity is a useful tool for opportunistic assessment of risk of colorectal adenoma.

Routine Colonoscopy After Acute Diverticulitis: is it Warranted?

PURPOSE: Recent evidence suggests routine colonoscopy after acute diverticulitis is not necessary but remains debatable. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of follow-up colonoscopic finding of adenoma, advanced neoplastic lesion, and adenocarcinoma after diverticulitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all cases of acute diverticulitis admitted from November 2015 to April 2018 was performed. Data collected included demographics, computed tomography (CT) findings, and findings of the follow-up colonoscopy within 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 368 patients were admitted for acute diverticulitis. A total of 366 patients underwent CT scan for diagnosis. Of whom, 185 patients (50.5%) had a follow-up colonoscopy; 115 (31.4%) did not have a follow-up colonoscopy, and the remaining have had a recent colonoscopy. The overall incidence of adenomas was 25.9% (n=48) and advanced colonic neoplasia 1.62% (n=3) in patients who underwent follow-up colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: The finding of advanced colonic neoplasia in follow-up colonoscopy after an acute episode of CT-proven diverticulitis is equivalent to, or less than, that of the population colorectal cancer screening program. Routine colonoscopy is not necessary unless there are other concerning symptoms/CT findings.