Perforated duodenal diverticulum treated conservatively

Perforation is the rarest complication of duodenal diverticulum but also one of its most serious complications. Mortality rate was reported to up to 30%. Clinical diagnosis is usually vague and non-specific. High clinical suspicion is important as rapid deterioration is likely. Consensus regarding management is lacking and currently guided by a small series of case reviews. Surgical treatment is historically the standard therapeutic option. However, more current literature suggests improvement in patients with non-surgical management. In this paper, we discuss a case of a patient in her early 60s who had a perforated duodenal diverticulum that was treated conservatively. It highlights the importance of a good history and a CT scan to help with diagnosis. Close clinical observation is essential to detect disease progression. A step-up approach to clinical deterioration with either percutaneous drainage or surgical management should be considered if the patient does not respond to conservative treatment.