Cite this page: Mansouri J. Diverticulosis. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/appendixdiverticula.html. Accessed March 22nd, 2023.
Definition / general
- Uncommon, in 0.004 - 2% of appendectomies
- More likely acquired than congenital
- Usually multiple diverticuli (diverticula) if present
- Due to increased intraluminal pressure and wall weakness
- Present in 14% of cystic fibrosis patients versus 1 - 2% of general population (Hum Pathol 1987;18:75)
- Marker for presence of local/regional neoplasms (J Clin Pathol 2012;65:638)
- May cause diverticulitis, which clinically resembles appendicitis
- If associated with low grade mucinous lesions, may cause pseudomyxoma peritonei (Mod Pathol 2000;13:495)
Gross description
- Usually < 5 mm
Microscopic (histologic) description
- Herniation of mucosa and muscularis mucosa through wall of the appendix
