Lower GI bleeds are commonly associated with diverticulitis according to the material. Which condition is the most likely cause?

• A. Ulcers
• B. Esophageal varices
• C. Gastroenteritis
• D. Diverticulitis

Answer: (D)

Lower GI bleeding in adults is commonly tied to diverticular disease, where a vessel in a diverticulum can be eroded or disrupted by inflammation. When diverticula become inflamed (diverticulitis), the inflammatory process increases the likelihood of vessel damage within the diverticulum, leading to bleeding into the colon. Among the given options, this direct link to inflamed diverticula makes diverticulitis the most likely cause in the scenario described. The other options don’t fit as well: ulcers are typically an upper GI or non-diverticular colonic source, esophageal varices bleed higher up, and gastroenteritis can cause diarrhea and sometimes blood but not the classic, diverticulum-related lower GI bleed pattern.