Diverticulitis in a Patient Receiving Corticosteroids

 

Effects of corticosteroids that may contribute to progression of diverticular disease:

(1) reduction of the inflammatory response

(2) impaired wound healing

 

Findings that should raise concern for in a person with known or suspected diverticulosis who is receiving corticosteroids:

(1) previous history of acute diverticulitis

(2) prolonged and/or high dose corticosteroids

(3) fever of unknown origin (FUO)

(4) complaints of abdominal discomfort, pain or tenderness

(5) atypical signs of peritonitis

 

The presence of abdominal symptoms in an older adult being treated with corticosteroids should result in evaluating the patient for diverticulitis.