Predictive Value of Serologic Markers of Degree of Histologic Damage in Acute Uncomplicated Colonic Diverticulitis

Abstract

Acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD) may show histologic and serologic signs of inflammation.

To assess whether serologic markers of inflammation may be predictive of abnormal histology in AUD.

Twenty-one consecutive patients affected by AUD were studied (15 Males, 6 Females, mean age 66.19 y, range 43 to 85 y). Diagnosis of AUD was based on specific endoscopic and CT scan patterns. Several serologic markers were assessed [White blood cells (WBC), Erytro-sedimentation Rate, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, α1-acid glycoprotein]. Neutrophilic and lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate was also scored.

WBC was increased in 4/21 pts (19.4%), Erytro-sedimentation Rate in 12/21 pts (57.14%), CRP in 13/21 pts (61.9%), fibrinogen in 5/21 pts (23.8%), and α1-acid glycoprotein in 6/21 pts (28.57%). All serologic markers were related with the degree of histologic damage. In patients scoring 3 in neutrophilic infiltrate (severe active inflammation), all markers showed a statistical significant relation (ranging from P=0.004 for WBC to P=0.00001 for fibrinogen). CRP was the most sensitive marker of mild-moderate histologic damage, as it was increased in 4/10 (40%) patients scoring 0 or 1 in neutrophilic infiltrate (absence of mild active inflammation) (P=0.005).

Serologic markers showed a strict relation with the degree of histologic damage in AUD. Moreover, CRP is the most sensitive marker of mild-moderate histologic damage.