Acute diverticulitis masquerading as unilateral sciatica-like symptoms. Issue 6 (1st November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Novoselova, Victoria; Lacasse, Alexandre
• Is Part Of: Journal of community hospital internal medicine perspectives. Volume 10:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 587
• Page End: 590
• Publication Date: 2020-11-01
• Subjects: Acute diverticulitis -- left leg pain -- non-contrast CT; Internal medicine -- Periodicals; Hospitals -- Periodicals; Hospitals, Community; Internal Medicine; Hospitals; Internal medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1080/20009666.2020.1804101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2000-9666

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A 66 year-old female presented with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), severe left thigh pain, and localized edema. Non-contrast Computed Tomography (CT) suggested the presence of air in the left thigh and no evidence of an acute intra-abdominal process. Blood cultures grew an anaerobic gram-negative microorganism identified as Bacteroides fragilis . Repeat CT imaging with intravenous (IV) contrast revealed acute diverticulitis and the presence of a retroperitoneal abscess with extension to the thigh muscle. Along with antimicrobial therapy, surgical intervention was needed. The patient required a sigmoid resection with end-colostomy which led to clinical improvement.