Perforation of the jejunum due to diverticular disease: A condition to consider in the elderly

Abstract

Diverticular disease is the most common bowel disease after the age of 40 years. It is the most common finding in elective endoscopic procedures, and it has great relevance because of its broad manifestations which lead to frequent emergency service consultations. On the other hand, the prevalence of diverticulosis of the small intestine ranges from 2% to 5%. Clinical presentations such as bleeding, obstructions, abdominal pain, perforations, formation of abscesses and fistulas are usually more florid when they affect the colon. We present the case of an elderly emergency room patient with acute abdomen secondary to generalized peritonitis due to intestinal perforation caused by diverticular disease of the jejunum.