Transient diverticula of the colon.

Transient diverticula are radiological phenomena that can be observed in a minority of patients undergoing barium enema. Radiographs before and after smooth muscle relaxation are required. Diverticula seen on the early radiographs may, in some patients, disappear following the intravenous administration of 20 mg hyoscine-N-butylbromide (Buscopan). Using this technique in 441 examinations, transient diverticula have been observed in 18 patients (4.1%). They exhibit many features of established diverticula which suggests that they represent an incipient stage of the disease.