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Lateral Duodenal Diverticulitis Mimicking a Right Retroperitoneal Collection: A Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Giant duodenal diverticula are rare and often asymptomatic but may present with atypical clinical and imaging findings that resemble intra-abdominal or retroperitoneal collections, abscesses, or cystic neoplasms. We report the case of a 67-year-old male who presented with recurrent right-sided abdominal symptoms initially treated as pyelonephritis and subsequently diagnosed as a right retroperitoneal abscess. Further evaluation with multimodal imaging, including contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) with oral contrast and retrospective ultrasound review, revealed a giant duodenal diverticulum communicating with the second part of the duodenum. Accurate interpretation of these findings allowed revision of the diagnosis and prevented unnecessary percutaneous drainage, thereby avoiding potential iatrogenic complications. The patient was managed conservatively with intravenous antibiotics and demonstrated clinical improvement, with endoscopic evaluation planned for further assessment. This case highlights the value of careful multimodal imaging correlation in avoiding inappropriate invasive procedures and informing optimal patient management.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.101578

Authors: Mahmoud Raheem Heidous, Devendra Kumar, Ahmed Hadi, Soumya Hareendranath, Ameer Cheikh Alnajjarin

Institution: Hamad Medical Corporation

Language: English

Topic: Gastrointestinal disorders and treatments

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7124314154