Rare case of incidental gastric diverticulum with chronic gastritis reported

Eugene Richard Joweni Baloyi and colleagues from the University of Witwatersrand, Klerksdorp Tshepong Hospital Complex, South Africa have reported a rare case of gastric diverticulum in a young female with chronic gastritis. The study is published in the International Journal of Surgery Case Reports.

Gastrointestinal upset is a common presentation to surgical departments, often requiring investigation with endoscopy. Pathologies such as gastritis or ulcers are common culprits. However, the occurrence of rare or unusual pathologies, such as gastric diverticula is seldom noticed and reported.

Gastric Diverticula are the manifestation of a common condition in an unusual location. Their clinical implications vary from being insignificant to life-threatening when complicated by hemorrhage, perforation, or malignant transformation. The associated symptoms are non-specific, and diagnosis may be challenging. Gastric diverticula are rare worldwide with an incidence of 0.02 % in autopsy studies. The diagnosis is based on a history of vague abdominal symptoms coupled with non-specific physical signs, which may mimic more prevalent gastrointestinal conditions. For this reason, a high index of suspicion is required should one intend on making the diagnosis.