Beyond the Usual Age: A Case Report on Segmental Colitis Associated With Diverticulitis in a Young Patient

Diverticulitis is a common condition generally seen in older populations. It is rare, but not impossible, to see in younger patients where it can often be confused with other abdominal pathologies. Segmental colitis associated with diverticulitis (SCAD) had been previously considered a complication of diverticulitis, and only fairly recently has it been designated as its own pathology. It is typically defined as a non-specific inflammation localized to the sigmoid region of the colon, with features that may appear similar to inflammatory bowel diseases or acute uncomplicated diverticulitis. We present the case of a 22-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department (ED) with left lower quadrant (LLQ) pain, suprapubic pain, and nausea, and was found to have SCAD on abdominal imaging. The patient improved with pain medication and antiemetics and was found to be stable for discharge home with appropriate outpatient follow-up. This case presents an unusual presentation for this pathology and brings attention to the importance of a broad differential in the ED as well as understanding management plans and similarities between disease presentations.