RAPID COMMUNICATION

AIM: To prospectively study the incidence and the natu-ral history of acute diverticulitis in young patients. METHODS: A total of 207 patients hospitalized at our hospital between January 2000 to February 2005 with the diagnosis of acute diverticulitis were included. Their demographic characteristics, medical history, physical, radiographic and endoscopic fi ndings as well as therapy were recorded. Patients were followed every 6 mo for the fi rst year and later annually. RESULTS: The mean patients ’ age was 61 (range 27-92) years. Twenty- fi ve patients (12%) were younger than 45 years. Acute diverticulitis was signifi cantly more prevalent among male in the young age group as com-pared to the older age group (19/25, 76 % vs 61/182