PATHOPHYSIOLOGY:

Characterized by inflammation of segments of the GI tract, mot frequently in

the sigmoid colon. The inflammation involves all layers of the bowel wall.
The areas of involvement are usually discontinuous with segments of normal
bowel occurring between diseased portions. The outpouches of mucosa appear
as slit-like openings from the mucosa surface of an opened bowel. The
diverticula from at weak points in the color wall, usually where arteries
penetrate the tunica muscularis to nourish the mucosal layer. The colonic
mucosa herniates through the smooth muscle layer. A common associated
finding is thickening of the circular and longitudinal (teniae coli) muscles
surrounding the diverticula. Hypertrophy and contraction of these muscles
increases intraluminal pressure and degree of herniation. Habitual
consumption of a low-residue diet reduces fecal bulk, thus reducing the
diameter of the colon. Wall pressure increases as the diameter of cylindrical
structure decreases so pressure within the narrow lumen can rupture the
diverticula possibly leading to abscess formation or peritonitis.