Which of the following is a cause of hematochezia?

Hematochezia refers to the passage of fresh blood through the anus, usually in or with stools, indicating bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract. Diverticulitis, characterized by the inflammation of diverticula (small pouches that can form in the walls of the colon), is a significant cause of hematochezia. This condition can lead to the erosion of blood vessels, resulting in bleeding.

In the context of digestive diseases, diverticulitis commonly presents with lower abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits. When diverticula become inflamed or infected, they can rupture or bleed, contributing to the presence of fresh blood in the stool.

Other conditions listed, such as peptic ulcer disease, typically cause melena (dark, tarry stools) due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding, while gastroesophageal reflux disease and cholecystitis are not typically associated with lower GI bleeding. Understanding the anatomical location and nature of the bleeding helps in identifying diverticulitis as a direct cause of hematochezia.