Concurrent Acute Appendicitis and Recurrent Acute Diverticulitis: A Diagnostic Challenge

Introduction: There is a lack of information in the literature regarding acute appendicitis in the setting of acute diverticulitis. As acute appendicitis and acute diverticulitis together make up most community-acquired complicated intra-abdominal infections, it is very likely that the provider will encounter them in the patient presenting with abdominal pain. Case Description: We report a patient with recurrent diverticulitis who carried a codiagnosis of acute appendicitis; the appendix was laparoscopically removed, and her diverticulitis flare was managed nonoperatively. Discussion: In the patient with a history of diverticulitis presenting with abdominal pain, a high index of suspicion for other coexisting intra-abdominal pathology must be maintained. Computed tomography offers a powerful tool to aid in diagnosis.