Incidence, complications, and management of Meckel's diverticulum

Perforated Meckel's Diverticulum Masquerading as a Mesenteric Abscess Related to Umbilical Piercing: An Unusual Cause of Acute Abdomen

Perforated Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is a rare cause of acute abdomen in adults. We describe the case of a 32-year-old man presenting with worsening abdominal pain three weeks following the piercing of his umbilicus. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated a small mesenteric collection intimately related to the recently placed navel ornamentation, and a preliminary diagnosis of intra-abdominal abscess secondary to an infected umbilical piercing was made. Initial conservative management with antibiotic therapy was unsuccessful. Subsequent open surgical approach demonstrated an inflamed, perforated Meckel’s diverticulum with a small, adjacent infected collection separate from, but in close proximity to the belly-button foreign body. The patient was successfully treated with small bowel resection and followed an uneventful postoperative course.

Beyond appendicitis: ultrasound findings of acute bowel pathology

Bowel pathology is a common unexpected finding on routine abdominal and pelvic ultrasound. However, radiologists are often unfamiliar with the ultrasound appearance of the gastrointestinal tract due to the underutilization of ultrasound for bowel evaluation in the USA. The purpose of this article is to familiarize radiologists with the characteristic ultrasound features of a variety of bowel pathologies. Basic ultrasound technique for bowel evaluation, ultrasound appearance of normal bowel, and key ultrasound features of common acute bowel abnormalities will be reviewed.

Bleeding Meckel Diverticulum: A Retrospective Analysis of Computed Tomography Enterography Findings

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the computed tomography enterography (CTE) characteristics of bleeding Meckel diverticulum.

METHODS

The CTE images of 35 patients with Meckel diverticulum and gastrointestinal bleeding were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Meckel diverticulum was visualized in 33 of 35 patients and located in the right lower abdomen (20/33), midline lower abdomen (8/33), left lower abdomen (3/33), or paramedially near the umbilicus (2/33). The Meckel diverticulum was visualized on the antimesenteric side of the ileum in 16 patients (48.5%) and pointed toward the umbilicus in 10 (30.3%). The diverticulum appeared as a blind-ended tubular (22/33 [66.7%]) or saccular (11/33 [33.3%]) bowel segment. Separated supplying vessel was identified in 15 patients (45.5%) and associated with diverticulum (P = 0.037). The ectopic tissue was pathologically confirmed in 11 (33.3%) of 33 patients and was associated with diverticular nodules (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness of CTE features could aid in the preoperative assessment of bleeding Meckel diverticulum.

Perforated Meckel's Diverticulum in an Adult

Meckel's diverticulum is the commonest congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. Its complications have an extensive variety of clinical and imaging manifestations, extending from benign and indolent findings to acute life-threatening conditions. Complicated Meckel's diverticulum often constitutes a challenging diagnosis for both the clinician and the radiologist. Therefore, imaging techniques play an important role in this condition in evaluating its complications, determining decision making. We describe a case of a 49-year-old man suffering from right abdominal pain with fever and constipation, during the past 5 days. Laboratory data revealed C-reactive protein of 306 mg/L and leukocytosis. Contrast-enhanced CT features were highly suggestive of perforated Meckel's diverticulum. The purpose of this article is to emphasize that besides its rarity, Meckel's diverticulum complications can occur in adult patients.

Spontaneous perforation and intraabdominal abscess due to Meckel's diverticulum revealed on SPECT/CT with 99m-technetium pertechnetate: A case report

RATIONALE

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is common congenital abnormality of gastrointestinal tract, only about 6.4% of patients become symptomatic. A smaller minority develop potential fatal complications such as hemorrhage, perforation, abscess, and bowel obstruction.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 15-year-old boy with history of appendicitis was admitted due to worsening abdominal pain and nausea for 1 day. The physical examination showed the abdomen was soft, with the diffuse tenderness to palpation and voluntary guarding.

DIAGNOSIS

Abdominal computed tomography showed a probable MD in the distal ileum. Single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) fusion imaging revealed the focal concentration at the right lower quadrant of abdomen region.

INTERVENTION

After the initial management including antibiotic administration and intravenous fluid resuscitation, MD with perforation and localized suppurative peritonitis was confirmed in surgery. The patient underwent a diverticulectomy. Histological examination was confirmed as MD with focal heterotopic gastric tissue.

OUTCOMES

After surgery, the patient had uneventful recovery during 3 months follow-up.

LESSONS

Spontaneous perforation and intraabdominal abscess due to MD is very rare. Accurate diagnosis of MD remains challenging as clinical symptoms from these complications occur nonspecifically. SPECT/CT fusion imaging is critical for prompt recognition and accurate diagnosis in the successful management of this rarely life-threating complication.

The Coexistence of a Horseshoe Kidney and Meckel Diverticulum With Dramatic Mobility Revealed Through 99mTc Pertechnetate Imaging

A previously healthy 11-year-old boy with intermittent abdominal pain and bloody stool underwent Meckel scintigraphy. On the initial images, there was a faint U-shaped activity in the mid-abdominal region, which gradually faded and evolved into distinct foci of radiotracer accumulation in the later images. One of the foci changed its location during the study, suspected as moving Meckel diverticulum. A horseshoe kidney was noted by subsequent CT images, which corresponded to nonmoving foci. A Meckel diverticulum was confirmed after exploratory laparotomy, accounted for moving focus on Merkel scintigraphy.

Computed Tomography of Spontaneous Perforated Meckel's Diverticulum in an Elderly Adult: A Case Report

Spontaneous perforated Meckel's diverticulum is a rare complication and mimics appendicitis or diverticulitis in elderly adults. We report the case of a 51-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain that had progressively increased over the previous two hours. The provisional diagnosis was appendicitis or diverticulitis, and we recommended computed tomography for further evaluation. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed an outpouching, blind-ending, fluidfilled structure in continuity with the distal ileum that depicted wall perforation and extraluminal air bubbles, consistent with perforated Meckel's diverticulum. In this case report, computed tomography provided a clear imaging diagnosis of perforated Meckel's diverticulum preoperatively. Thus, in patients with acute abdomen, complicated Meckel's diverticulum should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Elongated Appearance of Meckel's Diverticulum on 99mTcO4 Scintigraphy

A Meckel's scintigraphy using TcO4 was performed in a 9-year-old boy. The images revealed an elongated abnormal radiotracer accumulation in the right abdomen, which was confirmed as Meckel diverticulum combined with an omphalomesenteric cyst.

Small intestinal diverticulum with bleeding: Case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Small intestinal diverticulum with bleeding is an important reason for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGB) , in addition to tumor and vascular diseases. Small intestinal diverticulum with bleeding is difficult to detect by barium meal and angiographic methods and has been regarded as an important cause of obscure gastrointestinal tract bleeding in adolescents. Because of its complicated etiology and non-specific clinical manifestations, it is relatively difficult to detect small intestinal diverticulum with bleeding, especially in patients with a large amount of bleeding and hemodynamic instability.

PATIENT CONCERNS

This retrospective study collects clinical statistics of 19 patients admitted to our hospital from January 2010 to December 2016. Patients who had small intestinal diverticulum patients with bleeding were included in this study. Patients who were taking anticoagulants were excluded DIAGNOSES:: Small intestinal diverticulum patients with bleeding.

INTERVENTIONS

This retrospective study describes the clinical features of patients with small intestinal diverticulum whose main symptom was gastrointestinal bleeding and analyze the literature on this topic, with particular reference to the clinical characteristics, pathological features, and choice of examination methods.

LESSONS

Small intestinal diverticulum with bleeding is a common cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, but it is difficult to detect using normal examination methods. For patients with repeated gastrointestinal bleeding and no positive results found on gastroscopy and colonoscopy, endoscopy of the small intestine and CTE with contrast can be considered as a diagnostic modality.

Large Enterolith Complicating a Meckel Diverticulum Causing Obstructive Ileus in an Adolescent Male Patient

We present a unique case of a 16-year-old male patient who was eventually diagnosed with a large enterolith arising from a Meckel's diverticulum. The enterolith had caused intermittent intestinal symptoms for three years before resulting in small bowel obstruction requiring surgical intervention. Meckel's enterolith ileus is very rare with only few cases described in the literature. To our knowledge, this is only the second case of Meckel's enterolith which had caused intermittent symptoms over a period of time, before resulting in ileus, and the first case where the intermittent symptoms lasted several years before bowel obstruction. The patient had been evaluated with colonoscopy, computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging enterography (MRIE); a calcified pelvic mass had been found, but no further diagnosis other than calcification was established. The patient presented at our emergency department, with symptoms of obstructive ileus and underwent exploratory laparotomy, where a large enterolith arising from a Meckel's diverticulum (MD) was identified, causing the obstruction. A successful partial enterectomy, enterolith removal, and primary end-to-end anastomosis took place; the patient was permanently relieved from his long-standing symptoms. Consequently, complications of Meckel's diverticulum and enterolithiasis have to be included in the differential diagnosis of abdominal complaints.

Spontaneous perforation of Meckel diverticulum: A case report

RATIONALE

Meckel diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract. It is asymptomatic in the majority of patients. Perforation is a rare complication of MD and can be life-threatening.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 20-year-old male patient denying previous systemic disease and complaining of epigastric pain for 5 days came to our emergency department for help. Physical examination showed right lower quadrant tenderness without muscle guarding and rebounding pain.

DIAGNOSIS

Blood examination including white blood cell, C reactive protein, liver, and renal function all showed within normal range. Abdominal computed tomography showed suspect MD in the distal ileum and enteritis at the ileum.

INTERVENTION

Perforation of MD was found while in surgery, and Meckel diverticulectomy was performed.

OUTCOMES

The patient was discharged 7 days after the operation with stable condition.

LESSONS

Perforation is an uncommon complication of MD, and the symptom can mimic other acute abdominal conditions such as acute appendicitis while in the emergency space. We should take diagnosis under consideration as a differential diagnosis when we encounter patients whose impression was firstly acute appendicitis.

Reminiscing on Remnants: Imaging of Meckel Diverticulum and Its Complications in Adults

OBJECTIVE

Meckel diverticulum may become symptomatic if it is complicated by hemorrhage, intestinal obstruction, diverticulitis, or tumor. Although classically described in children, it is often missed in adults because of lack of suspicion and difficulty in detection. The purpose of this article is to review the imaging findings and management of Meckel diverticulum and its complications.

CONCLUSION

Although it is infrequently encountered incidentally, Meckel diverticulum should be considered especially when interpreting examinations for abdominal pain, small-bowel obstruction, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Ultrasound assessment of the bowel: inflammatory bowel disease and conditions beyond

Ultrasound (US) is a versatile imaging study for the evaluation of the bowel in children. US imaging of the bowel can be used as the initial examination or in follow-up for many common pediatric diseases. In this article, we highlight our bowel US technique and describe how US can depict the features of a select group of bowel pathologies relevant to pediatric practice.

Meckel's diverticulum in the adult

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common gastro-intestinal congenital malformation (approximately 2% in the overall population). The lifetime risk of related complications is estimated at 4%. These include gastro-intestinal bleeding, obstruction or diverticular inflammation. Diagnosis is difficult and rarely made, and imaging, especially in the case of complicated disease, is often not helpful; however exploratory laparoscopy is an important diagnostic tool. The probability of onset of complication decreases with age, and the diagnosis of MD in the adult is therefore often incidental. Resection is indicated in case of complications but remains debatable when MD is found incidentally. According to an analysis of large series in the literature, surgery is not indicated in the absence of risk factors for complications: these include male gender, age younger than 40, diverticulum longer than two centimetres and the presence of macroscopically mucosal alteration noted at surgery. Resection followed by anastomosis seems preferable to wedge resection or tangential mechanical stapling because of the risk of leaving behind abnormal heterotopic mucosa.

Vitelline duct pathologies in neonates

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to review the management of pediatric cases of vitelline duct pathology (VDP) detected surgically or incidentally during the neonatal period and the outcomes.

METHODS

The data of newborns who were symptomatic and underwent VDP resection or who were incidentally diagnosed with VDP at a single institution between 1985 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed in terms of age, sex, clinical features, treatment, perioperative findings, ectopic tissue pathology, and postoperative follow-up information.

RESULTS

Among the 36 newborns enrolled in this study, 26 were male and 10 were female (2.6:1). The median weight was 2400 g (range: 800-3090 g). In 16 cases (14 males and 2 females; 7:1) the VDP was surgically repaired. Pathological evaluation indicated that 43% (n=7) of the cases had ectopic gastric mucosa. VDP was incidentally discovered in 12 males and 8 females (1.5:1). VDP was removed in 10 cases (50%) and left intact in others. Ectopic gastric mucosa was observed in 10% of the VDP removal cases. Ectopic gastric tissue was more prevalent in the surgical VDP cases than in the incidentally discovered and VDP removal cases (p<0.05). Male predominance was greater in the surgically repaired cases than in the incidentally discovered cases (p<0.05). One patient whose VDP was discovered incidentally was admitted 3 years later with obstruction due to intussusception caused by Meckel's diverticulum, and 1 patient was admitted with rectal bleeding at 11 years of age.

CONCLUSION

Symptomatic VDP in the newborn demonstrates a significant gender difference. Symptomatic cases are more likely to have ectopic gastric tissue than non-symptomatic cases. Incidentally detected cases without removal should be followed closely for future complications.

Gallstone ileus associated with impaction at Meckel’s diverticulum: Case report and literature review

Gallstone ileus due to erosion of one or more gallstones into the gastrointestinal tract is an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction. The site of impaction is usually distal ileum, and less commonly the jejunum, colon, duodenum, or stomach. We report a rare case of gallstone ileus with impaction at the proximal small bowel and at a Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) in a 64-year-old woman managed with laparoscopic converted to open small bowel resections. Patient was discharged home in stable condition and remained asymptomatic at 6-mo follow up. We review the current literature on surgical approaches to MD and gallstone ileus. Diverticulectomy or segmental resection is preferred for complicated MD. For gallstone ileus, simple enterolithotomy or segmental resection are the most the most favored especially in older co-morbid patients due to lower mortality rates and the rarity of recurrent gallstone ileus. In addition, laparoscopy has been increasingly reported as a safe approach to manage gallstone ileus.

Unusual cause of small bowel obstruction: mesodiverticular band of Meckel's diverticulum demonstrated by CT

Small bowel obstruction resulting from the mesodiverticular band is a rare complication of Meckel’s diverticulum and usually presents a diagnostic challenge. We present a case of small bowel obstruction due to the mesodiverticular band of Meckel’s diverticulum with CT scan findings.

Unusual presentation of obscure Meckel diverticulum treated with robot-assisted diverticulectomy: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Meckel diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital abnormality of gastrointestinal tract. Tough believed to occur in 2% of population, most of them remain veiled because majority are clinically asymptomatic and remain obscure in radiological examination.

CLINICAL FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSIS

A 26-year-old male with episodic black colored stool since last 10 years. Tough symptomatic, diagnosis of pathological lesion, and the bleeding site could not be established with any of the sophisticated diagnostic technique. After 10 years, it was finally diagnosed as MD with careful observation of bowel loops on computed tomography enterography (CTE) where remnant of vitelline vessel and hyper-enhancing nodule are seen along the wall of diverticular loop.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

The patient underwent robot assisted laparoscopic surgery with excision of diverticular loop. To the best of our knowledge, this robot-assistant Meckel diverculectomy is probably the first reported surgical procedure in PubMed. Follow-up for 3 month showed no complication or recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Every case is unique and we must be aware and remain alert in tracing the possible morphological variation of the case. Here, we present one unique but rare feature of MD, which helped us in making diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Bleeding Meckel's Diverticulum in Adults

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Various modalities have been used to diagnose Meckel's diverticulum (MD) in practice, but with their diagnostic accuracy deemed to be unsatisfactory for clinical practice. Moreover, the usefulness of these modalities has not been evaluated for the diagnosis of bleeding MD in adults, due to the relative rarity of this condition. Therefore, the aim of our multicenter study was to determine the most accurate modality for the preoperative diagnosis of bleeding MD in adults.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the diagnostic accuracy for small bowel bleeding associated with MD of different modalities in patients ≥18 years old who underwent assessment for MD, with confirmation at the time of explorative surgery. Diagnostic accuracy of the different modalities was evaluated against the diagnosis obtained using technetium-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy (also known as Meckel's scan), considered to be the gold standard for the diagnosis of bleeding MD in pediatrics.

RESULTS

Thirty-five adults were identified with bleeding in MD over the study period, between 2005 and 2012. Among these patients, only 24 (68.6%) were diagnosed with MD preoperatively. The mean (95% confidence interval) diagnostic accuracy of selected modalities was as follows: Meckel's scan, 21.4% (5.7%-51.2%); capsule endoscopy, 35.7% (14.0%-64.4%); balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE), 85.0% (61.1%-96.0%); angiography, 0.0% (0.0%-80.2%); computed tomography, 31.8% (14.7%-54.9%); and small-bowel follow-through, 62.5% (25.9%-90.0%). The diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher for BAE than for Meckel's scan (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Among available diagnostic modalities, BAE provides the highest accuracy for the diagnosis of bleeding MD in adults and, therefore, should be considered as the preferred modality for preoperative diagnosis.

The many faces of Meckel's diverticulum and its complications

Meckel's diverticulum is the most frequent congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract, occurring in 2% of the general population. Meckel's diverticulum is usually asymptomatic and found incidentally. However, the lifetime risk of complications is 4-40%. In this essay, we describe the clinical and imaging findings in 12 cases of Meckel's diverticula with complications over a 5-year period, which were confirmed pathologically. The major complications of Meckel's diverticulum include gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, perforation and inflammation. Small bowel follow-through (SBFT), computed tomography (CT) including CT enterography and RI scintigraphy can be used to show typical imaging features of Meckel's diverticulum and its complications. Knowledge of the clinical and radiologic findings of Meckel's diverticulum can aid in the early and accurate diagnosis of this anomaly and its complications.

Small Bowel Congenital Anomalies: a Review and Update

The small intestine is a complex organ system that is vital to the life of the individual. There are a number of congenital anomalies that occur and present most commonly in infancy; however, some may not present until adulthood. Most congenital anomalies of the small intestine will present with obstructive symptoms while some may present with vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or gastrointestinal bleeding. Various radiologic procedures can aid in the diagnosis of these lesions that vary depending on the particular anomaly. Definitive therapy for these congenial anomalies is surgical, and in some cases, surgery needs to be performed urgently. The overall prognosis of congenital anomalies of the small intestine is very good and has improved with improved medical management and the advent of newer surgical modalities. The congenital anomalies of the small intestine reviewed in this article include malrotation, Meckel's diverticulum, duodenal web, duodenal atresia, jejunoileal atresia, and duplications.

Meckel's diverticulum: new solutions for an old problem?

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most commonly encountered true diverticulum in the small bowel. Although overall a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, it remains an important differential in a child/young adult presenting with lower gastrointestinal bleeding. We present two MD cases, one associated with brisk bleeding resulting in haemodynamic instability and the other in insidious blood loss causing symptoms of chronic iron deficiency. These cases illustrate the heterogeneous nature of the clinical picture associated with Meckel's diverticulae, a condition most gastroenterological and surgical units will encounter. We subsequently discuss the diagnostic and management dilemma Meckel's diverticulae pose and appraise the latest evidence and management strategies in this regard.

Inverted Meckel diverticulum as a lead point of small bowel intussusception: misinterpreting case as a lipoma

Inverted Meckel diverticulum is an uncommon cause of intussusception in adults. It may be confused for an intraluminal lipoma. We present a case of small bowel intussusception due to inverted Meckel diverticulum with characteristic computed tomography finding potentially distinguishable from lipoma.

Intussusception in Adults: The Role of MDCT in the Identification of the Site and Cause of Obstruction

Unlike pediatric intussusception, intestinal intussusception is infrequent in adults and it is often secondary to a pathological condition. The growing use of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) in abdominal imaging has increased the number of radiological diagnoses of intussusception, even in transient and nonobstructing cases. MDCT is well suited to delineate the presence of the disease and provides valuable information about several features, such as the site of intussusception, the intestinal segments involved, and the extent of the intussuscepted bowel. Moreover, MDCT can demonstrate the complications of intussusceptions, represented by bowel wall ischemia and perforation, which are mandatory to promptly refer for surgery. However, not all intussusceptions need an operative treatment. In this paper, we review the current role of MDCT in the diagnosis and management of intussusception in adults, focusing on features, as the presence of a leading point, that may guide an accurate selection of patients for surgery.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (162). Meckel's diverticulum

A 28-year-old Chinese man presented with acute bleeding per rectum. Computed tomography showed a posterior outpouching arising from the distal ileum. The outpouching had hyperaemic walls, but no active contrast extravasation was detected. Technetium-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy showed focal areas of abnormal uptake in the right side of the pelvis, superior and posterior to the urinary bladder. These areas of uptake appeared simultaneously with the gastric uptake and demonstrated gradual increase in intensity on subsequent images. The diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum was confirmed on surgery and the lesion was resected. The clinical and imaging features of Meckel's diverticulum are discussed.

CT Detection of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Meckel Diverticulum

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to determine how often symptomatic Meckel diverticulum and asymptomatic Meckel diverticulum are detected on CT in patients with known Meckel diverticulum and to evaluate factors that influence detection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 85 CT examinations of 40 patients (eight pediatric patients and 32 adult patients; 29 male patients and 11 female patients; average age, 46.2 ± 23.7 [SD] years) with a pathologic diagnosis of Meckel diverticulum were retrospectively evaluated. These patients included 26 adult patients with incidentally found asymptomatic Meckel diverticulum and 14 patients (eight pediatric and six adult patients) with symptomatic Meckel diverticulum. The CT technical factors and patients' morphologic factors were compared with the detection of Meckel diverticulum using mixed-effect logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Meckel diverticulum was detected on at least one CT examination in eight of 14 (57.1%) symptomatic patients (two of four patients with bleeding, two of six patients with small-bowel obstruction, two of two patients with acute diverticulitis, one of one patient with incisional hernia, and one of one patient with inverted Meckel diverticulum) and in 13 of 23 (56.5%) total CT examinations. Asymptomatic Meckel diverticulum was detected on at least one CT examination in 11 of 26 (42.3%) patients and in 16 of 62 (25.8%) total CT examinations. The amount of peritoneal fat was related to the detection of Meckel diverticula (p = 0.02). Although not statistically significant, the subjective quality of axial CT (p = 0.05) tended to be related to detection, whereas the use of IV (p = 0.59) or positive oral (p = 0.41) contrast material was unrelated to detection. In the original CT reports, none of the asymptomatic cases of Meckel diverticulum was prospectively detected, whereas Meckel diverticulum was detected or mentioned as a possibility in 64% of the symptomatic cases.

CONCLUSION

In patients with known Meckel diverticulum, CT can detect Meckel diverticulum in up to 47.5% of all patients. Meckel diverticulum is more commonly detected in symptomatic patients than in asymptomatic patients, and detection is related to the amount of peritoneal fat.

The value of repeat scintigraphy in patients with a high clinical suspicion for Meckel diverticulum after a negative or equivocal first Meckel scan

BACKGROUND

Technetium (99m)Tc-pertechnetate is the most common and accurate noninvasive method of preoperative investigation for Meckel diverticulum. Despite introducing various methods to increase the sensitivity of the study, there are many case reports of false-negative Meckel scans. A repeat scan is sometimes requested in patients with a high suspicion for Meckel diverticulum and negative or equivocal first Meckel scan.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the value of repeat scintigraphy for these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven hundred fifty-three Meckel scans were recorded retrospectively. In 33 cases (22 male and 11 female; mean age: 6.8 years), the Meckel scintigraphy was repeated either due to a high clinical suspicion of Meckel diverticulum and a negative study (n = 21) or due to equivocal findings in the first scan (n = 12). The study was interpreted as positive if an abnormal focal activity was identified in the abdomen and pelvis during the procedure. The results were correlated with pathology and clinical symptoms.

RESULTS

Seven out of 12 (58%) equivocal studies were positive on the second study. Six of them were proven to be positive at operation (confirmed by pathology) while one of them was negative on laparoscopy. From 21 negative first scans with a high suspicion for Meckel diverticulum, three (14%) were positive on the second study. All three were proven to be Meckel diverticulum on pathology.

CONCLUSION

Repeat Meckel scans in patients with equivocal findings on the first study or a negative result with a high clinical suspicion for a Meckel diverticulum are useful especially in cases in which the first study had been done without appropriate preparation.

Gangrenous Appendicitis in a Boy with Mobile Caecum

A mobile caecum and ascending colon is an uncommon congenital disorder, and it is even rarer as the cause of an acute abdomen during childhood. This report presents the case of a 6-year-old boy with acute gangrenous appendicitis with a mobile caecum and ascending colon. Data from the surgical course, as well as laboratory and imaging studies, were acquired and carefully examined. Emergency ultrasound (US) was performed and revealed no signs of appendicitis in the right lower quadrant. Serial imaging study, including non-enhanced computed tomography (CT), was performed. An imaging study identified epigastric appendicitis with mobile caecum. Surgery was executed under general anesthesia with a median incision extending from the epigastrium to the suprapubic region. The caecum was mobile and placed in the right epigastric area, next to the left lobe of the liver and gallbladder. The gangrenous appendix was discovered posterior to the caecum and transverse colon, enlarging to the left upper quadrant. Appendectomy was executed, the gangrenous appendix was confirmed pathologically, and the patient was released 4 days later. In the US, if there are unusual clinical findings or no findings in patients with abdominal pain, CT is beneficial in determining the location of the caecum and appendix and preventing misdiagnosis in children.

Symptomatic paediatric Meckel's diverticulum: stratified diagnostic indicators and accuracy of Meckel's scan

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to delineate stratified diagnostic indicants and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of technetium-99m (Tc)-pertechnetate scintigraphy in children with symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum (MD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective linear observational study conducted over a period of 5 years on 73 children with a diagnosis of symptomatic MD. The independent variables assessed were age, sex, weight-for-age z-scores, clinical presentation, complications of MD, laparoscopic findings, haematologic and biochemical results, radiological results, and histological findings. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the diagnostic markers. The sensitivity and specificity of Tc-pertechnetate scintigraphy were assessed.

RESULTS

The incidence of MD with complications was 44%. The prevalence of ectopic gastric mucosa in histological specimens was 84%. There was a good correlation between rectal bleeding and the presence of ectopic gastric mucosa [r=0.94; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.77-0.98]. Haematochezia associated with a drop in haemoglobin (>2 g/dl) was diagnostic of MD with ectopic gastric mucosa in children (n=42, 58%; P=0.006; odds ratio 1.99; 95% CI: 1.14-2.42). Bilious vomiting was diagnostic of complicated MD (n=12, 16%; P=0.007; odds ratio 1.89; 95% CI: 1.12-3.22). The sensitivity of Tc-pertechnetate scintigraphy was 84% and specificity was 22%. The positive predictive value was 0.64 and the negative predictive value was 0.22. The sensitivity and specificity of Tc-pertechnetate scintigraphy were dependent on the quantity and functional quality of the heterotopic gastric mucosa. The preoperative median z-score was -1.4 and the postoperative median z-score was -1.2.

CONCLUSION

Tc-pertechnetate scintigraphy had a truncated predictive value. Its contribution in clinical decision making was poor. Clinical suspicion of MD should be high in children presenting with haematochezia associated with a drop in haemoglobin by more than 2 g/dl. Laparoscopy is an effective diagnostic and therapeutic tool.

BWH emergency radiology-surgical correlation: torsion of Meckel's diverticulum

We present the radiologic findings and intraoperative correlation of a torsed Meckel's diverticulum leading to small-bowel obstruction in a 65-year-old male without prior abdominal surgery. As this is a rare entity and difficult to diagnose, an understanding of the clinical presentation and radiologic findings correlated with this pathology can help to expedite diagnosis and treatment.

Imaging of omphalomesenteric duct remnants and related pathologies in children

The omphalomesenteric duct (OMD) or the vitelline duct (VD) is the embryologic communication between the yolk sac and the primitive midgut. OMD or VD anomalies are a group of defects resulting from failure of involution of the OMD. Meckel diverticulum is the most common anomaly that results from failure of resorption of the OMD. Other less common anomalies seen in children include OMD fibrous band, fistula, sinus tract, cyst, and umbilical polyps. These OMD remnants can have variable clinical manifestations such as umbilical discharge, small bowel obstruction, gastrointestinal tract bleeding, or acute abdomen. This pictorial essay reviews the clinical presentation and imaging findings of the common and not so common complications of OMD remnants in the pediatric population.

Meckel's diverticulum with intussusception in a 5-year-old patient with Down's syndrome

Meckel's diverticulum is understood to be the commonest congenital malformation within the gastrointestinal tract with a prevalence of 2%, as found on autopsy studies. Although many cases are asymptomatic, complications can occur including haemorrhage, diverticulitis, chronic ulceration and intestinal obstruction. Intussusception is also a complication, but extremely rare. We present a rare case of Meckel's diverticulum causing intussusception, which was surgically resolved, in a 5-year-old girl. Our aim through this case report is to generate greater awareness of this complication and to provide some potential guidance towards its treatment.

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumour arising in Meckel's diverticulum coexisting with colon adenocarcinoma

Although colon cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, the prevalence of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs) remains rare. To date, very few cases of GEP-NETs within Meckel’s diverticulum and synchronous colorectal cancer have been reported. Although the coexistence of these two tumour types is uncommon, it is important to be aware of their disease patterns. We present a rare case of a patient with an intestinal GEP-NET arising in Meckel’s diverticulum coexisting with metastatic colon adenocarcinoma, and we discuss the clinical manifestations and the diagnostic procedures and treatment modalities used. This case report underlines the importance of being aware of this particular coexistence, as well as the unlikely metastatic spread of GEP-NETs and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment. Finally, individualizing the treatment according to the stages of the primaries will result in durable cancer control, particularly in synchronous double malignancy.