Congenital duodenal diverticula: a report of three cases and a review of the literature

Abstract

Most duodenal diverticula are acquired, extraluminal, and false, but the congenital variety is rare, whether it is intraluminal or extraluminal. We present two cases of extraluminal congenital duodenal diverticula and one of the intraluminal type, and we also review the literature. The clinical presentation involves rather nonspecific abdominal symptoms, and most of these diverticula are incidental findings on upper gastrointestinal series. Duodenoscopy offers the best chance to diagnose the intraluminal diverticula. The complications and methods of treatment of each type of congenital duodenal diverticulum are discussed.