Diseases

Extramural diverticula

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Extramural diverticula may vary in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. They usually are located in the area around the papilla of vater where the bile and pancreatic ducts enter the duodenum. A second, rare type of diverticulum is referred to as an "intramural" diverticulum.

SYMPTOMS

Extramural duodenal diverticula are most commonly diagnosed by barium x-rays of the upper gastrointestinal tract. They also may be diagnosed at the time of endoscopy or, less frequently, with ultrasonography. Finally, they also may show up by chance in computerized tomographic (ct) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (mri) studies of the abdomen.

CAUSES

The cause of extramural diverticula is not definitively known; however, they are believed to be acquired (not present from birth) due to a herniation (protrusion) of the duodenum through a defect in the muscle of the wall of the duodenum, perhaps in an area where arteries pass through the intestinal muscle to nourish the lining of the intestine.