Epiploic Appendagitis Mimicking Recurrent Diverticulitis

Abstract

Here, we report a case in which a patient with an extensive history of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon presented with left lower quadrant abdominal pain similar to her previous episodes of diverticulitis. An initial diagnosis of diverticulitis was made based on her history and exam, intravenous antibiotics were given, and an elective surgical resection was considered. However, a subsequent CT scan revealed epiploic appendagitis with no evidence of diverticulitis. Though uncommon, in patients with a history of recurrent diverticulitis, alternative causes of left lower quadrant abdominal pain such as epiploic appendagitis should be considered as this may alter future treatment decisions.

Figure 1

CT findings consistent with epiploic appendagitis including an ovoid fat density structure with surrounding peripheral inflammatory change (red arrow).