Abdominal Complaints: Diverticular Disease

Case Presentation: A patient with a history of follicular large cell lymphoma schedules an urgent offi ce visit for vague complaints of intermittent abdominal pain for the past month. The pain is present in the lower quadrants and is associated with cramping and alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea. The patient denies nausea, vomiting, or fevers. A review of systems is negative for any other complaints, and the patient’s weight is stable. The patient is concerned that the pain represents a recurrence of lymphoma, which originally was diagnosed eight years prior. The patient was treated for relapse more than two years ago with no evidence of disease recurrence. A computed tomography (CT) scan completed fi ve months prior was negative for lymphadenopathy. A previously enlarged right inguinal node had resolved completely. However, mild diverticulosis was observed in the sigmoid colon. The following information represents a general review of diverticular disease.