Duodenal Diverticula Might Be Associated with Higher Serum Inflammatory Biomarkers and Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Although it is not an extremely rare condition, less is known about the clinical features of duodenal diverticula (DD). This study aims to analyze laboratory and gastric histopathological features of DD, providing insights into this underexplored condition. A total of 152 patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for dyspepsia complaints were included in the study retrospectively, comprising 76 patients diagnosed with DD during the procedure and 76 control patients without DD. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted on the groups' clinical, laboratory, and gastrohistopathological characteristics. Statistical analyses were performed to ascertain whether significant differences existed between the groups. There were no significant differences in gender distribution or mean age between the groups. Patients with DD exhibited higher neutrophil, alkaline phosphatase, and C-reactive protein levels and lower platelet, lymphocyte, monocyte, calcium, and direct bilirubin levels. Although the diverticula group revealed a higher frequency of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection (43.4% vs. 32.9%), none of the groups' gastric histopathological findings showed significant differences. The results of this study demonstrate notable laboratory and clinical variations in individuals with DD, with elevated inflammatory markers and HP infection rates, indicating potential implications for disease pathophysiology. These findings provide a basis for future research and developing clinical management strategies related to DD.

Abbreviations: CT: Computed scan; DD: Duodenal diverticula; HP: Helicobacter pylori; SPSS: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences; Med: Median; S.D.: Standard deviation; ALT: Alanine aminotransferase; AST: Aspartate aminotransferase; ALP: Alkaline phosphatase; CRP: C-reactive protein; MCV: Mean corpuscular volume.