[Perforation of a solitary diverticulum of the transverse colon. Contribution of preoperative x-ray computed tomography and echography]. / Perforation d'un diverticule solitaire du côlon transverse. Apport de la tomodensitométrie et de l'échographie en pré-opératoire.

Diagnosis of perforation of a solitary diverticulum of transverse colon followed the discovery at operation of an abdominal mass, ultrasound and CT scan imaging demonstrating a heterogeneous mass of enhanced density provoking apparent extrinsic compression of colon. A literature review showed the rarity of this complication, only 22 cases being reported but associated almost constantly with a pseudo-tumoral abscess centered on the diverticulum. This was the case in the patient reported but current imaging methods (ultrasound and particularly CT scanning) allowed correct evaluation of the nature and relations of the mass preoperatively, eliminating, its neoplastic nature by precise morphologic criteria. Despite its rarity, the diagnosis of perforation of an isolated transverse colon diverticulum should be evoked systematically by an extrinsic mass developed in contact with its wall, the nature of which is now simple to define preoperatively by CT scan imaging.