Duodenal diverticulum
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
The duodenum is the 2nd most common location for gastrointestinal diverticula (after the colon). These diverticula typically occur in the periampullary region, along the medial aspect of the second and third portions of the duodenum. They are easily recognized on upper gastrointestinal barium examinations, and they are usually depicted well on CT or MR imaging if they are filled with fluid and air and located in the characteristic periampullary region. Most patients with duodenal diverticula are asymptomatic. Perforation and bleeding are the most frequently reported complications. Duodenal diverticula present a major source of failure for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography if the common bile duct drains directly into a periampullary diverticulum, obscuring the orifice of the ampulla of Vatar. In rare cases, a duodenal diverticulum may become obstructed, resulting in associated duodenal diverticulitis.
