From the archives of the AFIP. Meckel diverticulum: radiologic features with pathologic Correlation

CT diagnosis of a post-embolization ischemic diverticulitis of Meckel

A 23-year-old man presented with hypovolemic shock due to a lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Radiological and endoscopic investigation did not reveal the bleeding site. Emergency visceral angiography showed contrast extravasation at a right-sided branch of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Embolization of the bleeding point was performed, resulting in bleeding cessation. One week later, the patient presented with a new episode of moderate anal blood loss associated with diffuse abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an ischemic small bowel diverticulum that was treated by a laparoscopically-assisted segmental small bowel resection. Intraoperative and pathologic analysis confirmed a post-embolization ischemic diverticulitis of Meckel.

Diverse presentations in pediatric Meckel's diverticulum: a review of 100 cases

BACKGROUND

Our objective was to analyze demographics and characteristics of Meckel's diverticulum with different manifestations in pediatric patients.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study in children with symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum who underwent resection between September 1998 and October 2010. The diagnosis was confirmed by surgery and pathology. Demographic characteristics, manifestations, Meckel's scan results, surgical and histological findings were analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred symptomatic Meckel's diverticula were identified in 74 boys and 26 girls aged from one day to 18 years old over 13 years. Depending on whether or not obstruction occurred, the patients were classified into two categories. Each category was further subdivided into two diagnostic groups: 17 intussusception and 24 non-intussusception bowel obstruction in the obstructive category and 44 gastrointestinal bleeding and 15 diverticulitis and/or perforation in the non-obstructive category. The sex discrepancy was higher in the non-obstructive category than in the obstructive category (male-to-female, 4.36 vs. 1.73, p < 0.05). Forty-one of 44 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding underwent a Meckel's scan with a high positive rate (92.7%). The ectopic tissues were identified in 73 patients and included 61 gastric type, two pancreatic type and 10 mixed type. Ectopic tissues were more prevalent in non-obstructive category (p < 0.05) with ectopic gastric tissue even more pronounced (p < 0.01). Ectopic pancreatic tissue was significantly more prevalent in intussusception (p < 0.01). Laparoscopic surgery was performed more frequently in Meckel's diverticulum with non-obstructive symptoms (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Diverse presentations in pediatric Meckel's diverticulum are affected by different ectopic tissue types and male sex. Laparoscopic surgery is widely used for children with non-obstructive symptoms.

Sonography of acute appendicitis and its mimics in children

The diagnosis of acute right lower quadrant pain in a pediatric population is challenging. Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of an acute surgical abdomen. The common mimics of acute appendicitis are acute gastrointestinal and gynecologic diseases. This article reviews the sonographic findings of the spectrum of common acute abdominal emergencies in children with a focus on imaging clues to a specific diagnosis. This awareness can impact on diagnostic accuracy and impact patient management.

Incidental finding of carcinoid tumor on Meckel's diverticulum: case report and literature review, should prophylactic resection be recommended?

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract and is caused by incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct during intrauterine life. MD affects less than 2% of the population. In most cases, MD is asymptomatic and the estimated average complication risk of MD carriers, which is inversely proportional to age, ranges between 2% and 4%. The most common MD-related complications are gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction and acute phlogosis. Excision is mandatory in the case of symptomatic diverticula regardless of age, while surgical treatment for asymptomatic diverticula remains controversial. According to the majority of studies, the incidental finding of MD in children is an indication for surgical resection, while the management of adults is not yet unanimous. In this case report, we describe the prophylactic resection of an incidentally detected MD, which led to the removal of an occult mucosal carcinoid tumor. In literature, the association of MD and carcinoid tumor is reported as a rare finding. Even though the strategy for adult patients of an incidental finding of MD during surgery performed for other reasons divides the experts, we recommend prophylactic excision in order to avoid any further risk.

Radiologist's perspective for the Meckel's diverticulum and its complications

The Meckel's diverticulum is the commonest congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, often presenting with complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding, intussusception, bowel obstruction and diverticulitis, which are often misdiagnosed. Imaging plays an important role in the early diagnosis and characterization of these conditions and is very helpful in decision making. The Meckel's diverticulum and its complications have myriad presentations and appearances on various imaging modalities. Thus, sound knowledge of the anatomy, embryology, clinical presentation, imaging characteristics and complications is crucial to the practice of abdominal imaging. We present a review of the literature and current radiological practices in the diagnosis and management of the Meckel's diverticulum and its various complications with special emphasis on the imaging of various complications, mimickers and pathological correlation.

Meckel's Diverticulum: Factors Associated with Clinical Manifestations

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical features of Meckel's diverticula at different ages, genders, and pathology in order to serve as a reminder to clinicians when evaluating potential cases and to help obtain an early diagnosis. Methods. We collected information of patients with Meckel's diverticulum diagnosed at Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taiwan from 1984 to 2009. After performing a thorough review of their charts, the clinical features of the Meckel's diverticula were analyzed according to age groups, gender, and pathology. Result. A total of 126 patients, with 90 males and 36 females, were enrolled in this study. Seventy-five patients were symptomatic and 51 Meckel's diverticula were found incidentally during surgery for other diseases. Among symptomatic patients, 39% of pediatric patients and 5% of adult patients had intestinal hemorrhage. Twenty-eight percent of pediatric patients and 67% of adult patients had inflammation of Meckel's diverticulum. Forty-six percent of males and 16% of females had inflammation. Conversely, 27% of males and 58% percent of females had intestinal obstruction. When Meckel's diverticulum had ectopic gastric mucosa, it tended to cause intestinal hemorrhage when the patient is young. Conclusions. Age, gender, and pathology affect the clinical presentations of Meckel's diverticula.

Giant Meckel diverticulum with enteroliths: a case report of a patient presenting with low back and episodic right lower quadrant pain

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this case report is to describe a patient who presented with low back pain and episodic right lower quadrant pain who had a long-standing giant Meckel diverticulum with enteroliths.

CLINICAL FEATURES

A 49-year-old woman presented to a chiropractic clinic with low back pain and history of intermittent right lower quadrant pain. Lumbar radiography demonstrated calcifications in the pelvic basin that changed position with changes in patient posture. The patient was referred to an abdominal surgeon for consultation and management.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME

Computed tomography identified calcifications in the small bowel in the region of the ileocecal valve. The patient underwent prophylactic diverticulectomy with no complications. Gross pathology revealed a giant Meckel diverticulum measuring 24 inches (60.9 cm) containing 6 enteroliths.

CONCLUSIONS

A timely diagnosis resulted in a favorable surgical outcome for this patient with long-standing giant Meckel diverticulum and enteroliths.

Etiology of non-traumatic acute abdomen in pediatric emergency departments

Acute abdominal pain is a common complaint in pediatric emergency departments. A complete evaluation is the key factor approaching the disease and should include the patient’s age, any trauma history, the onset and chronicity of the pain, the related symptoms and a detailed physical examination. The aim of this review article is to provide some information for physicians in pediatric emergency departments, with the age factors and several causes of non-traumatic acute abdominal pain. The leading causes of acute abdominal pain are divided into four age groups: infants younger than 2 years old, children 2 to 5, children 5 to 12, and children older than 12 years old. We review the information about acute appendicitis, intussusception, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, infection, Meckel’s diverticulum and mesenteric adenitis. In conclusion, the etiologies of acute abdomen in children admitted to the emergency department vary depending on age. A complete history and detailed physical examination, as well as abdominal imaging examinations, could provide useful information for physicians in the emergency department to narrow the differential diagnosis of abdominal emergencies and give a timely treatment.

Importance of the ultrasonography in diagnosis of ileal duplication cyst

Gastrointestinal duplication cysts are rare congenital anomalies that can be seen in anywhere of the gastrointestinal system from the mouth to the anus. These are prenatally diagnosed through antenatal ultrasonography. However, attention must be paid since these formations might be confused with ovarian or mesenteric cysts. Our patient, who had been diagnosed with ovarian cyst on the ultrasonography performed in another center and with mesenteric cyst based on the abdominal MRI carried out at fifth month of life, presented to our clinic with the only complaint of constipation at 9th month of life. The diagnosis was set through double wall appearance of duplication cyst on the abdominal ultrasonography. The patient's cyst was resected.

Dual pathology in a patient with right lower quadrant pain

Meckel diverticula are remnants of the omphalomesenteric duct. They have 2% incidence in the general population, are usually asymptomatic, and tend to be diagnosed incidentally. The generally held principle had been that asymptomatic cases do not require resection, as exemplified by a 2008 systematic review of over 200 studies. However, a recent series reported an increased risk of malignancies, and recommended mandatory resection. We present a case of Meckel diverticulitis with concurrent infiltrative appendiceal carcinoid in a patient with right lower quadrant pain.

Meckel’s diverticulum bleeding diagnosed with magnetic resonance enterography: A case report

Although the introduction of double-balloon enteroscopy has greatly improved the diagnostic rate, definite diagnosis of Meckel’s diverticulum far from the ileocecal valve is still impossible in most cases. We explored the role of magnetic resonance (MR) enterography in detecting bleeding from Meckel’s diverticulum that can not be confirmed via double-balloon enteroscopy. This study describes a case of male patient with bleeding from Meckel’s diverticulum diagnosed with MR enterography of the small intestine. No bleeding lesion was found via colonoscopy, anal enteroscopy, or oral colonoscopy. MR enterography of the small intestine revealed an occupying lesion of 3.0 cm in the lower segment of the ileum. The patient was transferred to the Department of Abdominal Surgery of our hospital for surgical treatment. During surgery, a mass of 3 cm × 2 cm was found 150 cm from the ileocecal valve, in conjunction with congestion and edema of the corresponding mesangium. Intraoperative diagnosis was small bowel diverticulum with bleeding. The patient underwent partial resection of the small intestine. Postoperative pathology showed Meckel’s diverticulum containing pancreatic tissues. He was cured and discharged 7 d after operation. We conclude that MR enterography of the small intestine has greatly improved the diagnosis rate of Meckel’s diverticulum, particularly in those patients with the disease which can not be confirmed via double-balloon enteroscopy.

Meckel's scan in children: a review of 183 cases referred to two paediatric surgery specialist centres over 18 years

AIM

To review our practice of Meckel's Tc-99m pertechnetate scans over 18 years with regard to indications for the test, sensitivity and specificity in our particular referral patients' population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective review of Meckel's scans performed in two paediatric tertiary care teaching hospitals from April 1993 to March 2011 and followed up till October 2011. The scan was performed according to published international guidelines. 183 patients were included in this study. We classified the patients into two groups: group 1, which included 77 patients (42 %) presenting with painless per rectum bleeding, and group 2, which included 106 patients (58 %) presenting with other non-specific symptoms (e.g. abdominal pain, possibly associated with nausea and/or vomiting, failure to thrive). Data were analysed using Chi square test, considering P value less than 0.05 as significant. The age of the patients ranged from 4 days to 16.5 years (median 3 years).

RESULTS

161 of the total 183 children on the study (88 %) had a negative Meckel's scan, and 22 children (12 %) had a positive scan. In the group with a positive Meckel's scan (22 children), all patients underwent surgical exploration and ectopic gastric mucosa was found in 17 cases (77 %, true positives). In the remaining 5 cases (23 %), there was no evidence of ectopic gastric mucosa (false positives). Within the group with a negative scan, 8 children (5 %) underwent surgery; only 1 child had a ectopic gastric mucosa detected following surgery (false negative). In other 52 children (32 %) of the group with a negative Meckel's scan, an endoscopy was done, which showed a normal result in 21 children and was abnormal in 31 children. Of the remaining 101 (63 %) children with a negative Meckel's scan, 74 children (46 %) improved without any further intervention. In 13 cases (8 %), other pathologies were identified. The sensitivity and specificity of the Meckel's scan for ectopic gastric mucosa were 94 and 97 %, respectively. The Meckel's scan was positive in 26 % of the patients of group 1 and in only 2 % patients of group 2. The difference between the two groups was highly significant [P < 0.0001 (Yates-corrected Chi square); odds ratio 18 (Woolf-logit method 95 % CI)].

CONCLUSION

The Meckel's scan retains a high diagnostic accuracy in children for detecting a Meckel's diverticulum with ectopic gastric mucosa within it, when performed according to the recommended guidelines. The test yields its highest positive result in children presenting with significant per rectum bleeding.

Wireless Capsule Endoscopy Detects Meckel's Diverticulum in a Child with Unexplained Intestinal Blood Loss

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, affecting about 2% of the population. Most cases of Meckel's diverticula are asymptomatic. The diagnosis of symptomatic MD is often difficult to make. We report the case of an 8-year-old boy who presented with GI bleeding due to MD. The diagnostic difficulties after an initial negative endoscopic evaluation and the diagnostic value of the various endoscopic procedures are discussed. The patient had suffered from bright red stools for 20 h before hospital admission. GI scintigraphy with ^99mTc-Na-pertechnetate was negative for heterotopic gastric tissue in the small bowel area. Colonoscopy performed in order to exclude Crohn's disease was also negative. He was placed on ranitidine at a dose of 6 mg/kg body weight twice daily. The patient remained asymptomatic over a period of 6 months before he was readmitted due to macroscopic rectal bleeding. Upper endoscopy and colonoscopy used to investigate the source of bleeding showed normal macroscopic findings. Radiolabeling of blood constituents with ^99mTc on delayed imaging showed radionucleotide concentration in the ascending and transverse colon suggestive of a lesion in the ileocecal area. Further investigation with the use of wireless capsule endoscopy revealed a MD. Wireless capsule endoscopy may thus be indicated for patients with GI blood loss when other diagnostic methods, such as upper and lower endoscopy and colonoscopy, have failed to identify the source of bleeding.

CT enterography: review of technique and practical tips

CT enterography is a new non-invasive imaging technique that offers superior small bowel visualisation compared with standard abdomino-pelvic CT, and provides complementary diagnostic information to capsule endoscopy and MRI enterography. CT enterography is well tolerated by patients and enables accurate, efficient assessment of pathology arising from the small bowel wall or surrounding organs. This article reviews the clinical role of CT enterography, and offers practical tips for optimising technique and accurate interpretation.

Meckel's diverticulum incarcerated in an umbilical hernia--case report

Hernias containing incarcerated Meckel's diverticulum are rare and often asymptomatic. The proper preoperative diagnosis is difficult to establish. The presence of a Meckel's diverticulum incarcerated in a hernia should be consider in a differential diagnosis of abdominal disease that is not sufficiently apparent. We present a case of a 22 years old male patient with a Meckel's diverticulum incarcerated in an umbilical hernia.

Phytobezoar in Meckel's diverticulum: A rare cause of small bowel obstruction

INTRODUCTION

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the prevailing anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, found in about 2% of the population; it rarely gives rise to symptoms and its discovery is usually accidental. Phytobezoar is a concretion of poorly digested fruit and vegetable fibres that is found in the alimentary tract and rarely can be the cause of small intestinal obstruction. Herein we report a rare case of intestinal obstruction due to phytobezoar formation into a MD.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 50 year-old patient, was admitted to author's institution with an history of abdominal pain, nausea and multiples episodes of vomiting. Plain X-ray showed dilated small-bowel loops. Computed tomography (CT) revealed jejunal loops with air-fluid levels. The patient underwent explorative laparotomy where we found a giant Meckel's diverticulum, filled by a phytobezoar that caused small bowel compression. We performed a segmental ileal, resection, containing the MD. The histological exam confirmed Meckel's diverticulum.

DISCUSSION

Bowel obstruction due to a phytobezoar in a Meckel's diverticulum is rare: only 7 cases have been reported in literature. MD complications are rare and phytobezoar is one of them with only few cases described in literature.

CONCLUSION

The conventional x rays studies were inconclusive whereas abdominal contrast enhanced CT led to a definitive diagnosis. Explorative laparotomy or laparoscopy is mandatory in these cases.

MR enterography of perforated acute Meckel diverticulitis

Meckel diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the small intestine that generally comes to attention due to a variety of complications, such as gastrointestinal tract bleeding, bowel obstruction or acute inflammation. These diverticula frequently are difficult to prospectively diagnose by imaging. Clinically, acute Meckel diverticulitis can be mistaken for acute appendicitis or Crohn disease. We present a 6-year-old boy with perforated acute Meckel diverticulitis that mimicked Crohn disease both clinically and by CT imaging and was definitively diagnosed using MR enterography.

Multimodality imaging manifestations of the Meckel diverticulum in children

Meckel diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, occurring in approximately 2% of the general population. The lifetime complication rate from a Meckel diverticulum is 0.5%-2%. The most common complications include bleeding, obstruction, inflammation and perforation. However, the clinical manifestations of a Meckel diverticulum are frequently nonspecific. As a result, complications secondary to Meckel diverticulitis can mimic a variety of more common intra-abdominal processes, such as appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease and any other cause of small bowel inflammation or obstruction. The radiologist should be aware of potential manifestations of the disease on different imaging modalities. In this pictorial essay, we illustrate several complications related to the Meckel diverticulum, in multiple modalities.

Acute appendicitis with unusual dual pathology

INTRODUCTION

Meckel's diverticulum is a rare congenital abnormality arising due to the persistence of the vitelline duct in 1-3% of the population. Clinical presentation is varied and includes rectal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, diverticulitis and ulceration; therefore diagnosis can be difficult.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report a case of acute appendicitis complicated by persistent post operative small bowel obstruction. Further surgical examination of the bowel revealed an non-inflamed, inverted Meckel's diverticulum causing intussusception.

DISCUSSION

Intestinal obstruction in patients with Meckel's diverticulum may be caused by volvulus, intussusception or incarceration of the diverticulum into a hernia. Obstruction secondary to intussusception is relatively uncommon and frequently leads to a confusing and complicated clinical picture.

CONCLUSION

Consideration of Meckel's diverticulum although a rare diagnosis is imperative and this case raises the question "should surgeons routinely examine the bowel for Meckel's diverticulum at laparoscopy?"

Divertículo de Meckel ao Doppler em cores: relato de dois casos

O divertículo de Meckel é a anomalia congênita mais comum do trato gastrintestinal e a hemorragia é a complicação mais frequente. Cintilografia, ultrassonografia modo B e com Doppler, e tomografia computadorizada podem ser utilizadas para detectar complicações. Descrevemos dois casos de divertículo de Meckel complicado detectados à ultrassonografia, cujos achados foram diferentes dos descritos na literatura.

Small bowel MRI in adult patients: not just Crohn's disease-a tutorial

Objectives

To provide an overview of less well-known small bowel and mesenteric diseases found at small bowel magnetic resonance (MR) enterography/enteroclysis and to review the imaging findings. MR enterography and enteroclysis are important techniques for evaluation of small bowel diseases. In most centres these techniques are primarily used in Crohn’s disease, and most radiologists are familiar with these MRI findings. However, the knowledge of findings in other diseases is often sparse, including diseases that may cause similar clinical symptoms to those of Crohn’s disease.

Methods

We present a spectrum of less common and less well-known bowel and mesenteric diseases (e.g. internal hernia, intussusception, neuroendocrine tumour) from our small bowel MR database of over 2,000 cases.

Results

These diseases can be found in patients referred for bowel obstruction, abdominal pain or rectal blood loss. Further, in patients with (or suspected to have) Crohn’s disease, some of these diseases (e.g. neuroendocrine tumour, familial Mediterranean fever) may mislead radiologists to erroneously diagnose active Crohn’s disease.

Conclusion

Radiologists should be familiar with diseases affecting the small bowel other than Crohn’s disease, including diseases that may mimic Crohn’s disease.

Abdominal pain in children

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons pediatric patients seek emergency care. The emergency physician must be able to distinguish diagnoses requiring immediate attention from self-limiting processes. Pediatric patients can be challenging, particularly those who are preverbal, and therefore, the clinician must rely on a detailed history from a parent or caregiver as well as a careful physical examination in order to narrow the differential diagnosis. This article highlights several pediatric diagnoses presenting as abdominal pain, including surgical emergencies, nonsurgical diagnoses, and extraabdominal processes, and reviews the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management of each.

Complications of congenital and developmental abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract in adolescents and adults: evaluation with multimodality imaging

There is a wide variety of congenital anomalies that may affect the gastrointestinal tract. Most symptomatic congenital anomalies are found in newborns and infants. Such anomalies are relatively rare in adolescents and adults, and they may be difficult to identify because clinical symptoms often are nonspecific and insidious, causing them to be mistaken for other common abdominal conditions. Multimodality imaging is useful in evaluating congenital anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract in adults. The imaging features at radiography, fluoroscopy, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging may help identify congenital gastrointestinal anomalies such as congenital esophageal stenosis, gastric volvulus, duodenal web, annular pancreas, heterotopic pancreas, cecal volvulus, anomalies of the omphalomesenteric duct, Hirschsprung disease, and gastrointestinal duplication cyst. Familiarity with the imaging features of the various congenital anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract and their complications is important to establish the correct diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment, which is critical to avoid life-threatening complications.

Life-threatening lower gastrointestinal bleeding in a 2-year-old boy treated by transcatheter embolization: uncommon features of a complicated Meckel diverticulum

A 2.5-year-old boy presented with life-threatening lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Radiological investigation, including US, CT and 99 m-Technetium (Tc) pertechnate scintigraphy, was negative. Emergency visceral angiography was performed, showing a left-side, non-branching artery, originating from a side branch of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) with extravasation of contrast material. At the same time, embolization of the bleeding point was performed, resulting in haemostasis. In the days following the procedure the boy developed an intestinal obstruction. At laparoscopy, a complicated Meckel diverticulum was resected.

Computed tomography of complicated Meckel's diverticulum in adults: a pictorial review

OBJECTIVE: To show various CT aspects of complicated Meckel's diverticulum in adult patients to facilitate the preoperative diagnosis of this rare pathology in emergency settings. METHODS: A computer search of medical records over a 15 year period identified 23 adult patients who underwent surgery for acute abdomen generated by a complicated Meckel's diverticulum. CT images available for review were analyzed, and some specific patterns leading to the diagnosis of complicated Meckel's diverticulum are presented in this review. RESULTS: Complications were related to inflammation (14 patients), bleeding (5 patients), intestinal obstruction (3 patients), and penetrating foreign body (1 patient). The presence of a Meckel's diverticulum was usually suggested at CT scan by an abnormal outpouching, blind-ending digestive structure connected to the terminal ileum by a neck of variable caliber. Depending on the type of complications, the diverticulum was surrounded by mesenteric inflammatory changes, or presented as a localized fluid or air-fluid collection contiguous with the terminal ileum. The diverticulum was also the source of active bleeding or acted as the lead point to intestinal obstruction or intussusception. CONCLUSION: CT findings of complicated Meckel's diverticulum are polymorphic and should be considered in the evaluation of adult patients with acute abdomen.

Meckel's diverticulum-Revisited

Meckel's diverticulum is a true intestinal diverticulum that results from the failure of the vitelline duct to obliterate during the fifth week of fetal development. In about 50% cases, it contains ectopic or heterotopic tissue which can be the cause of complications. A systematic review of literature was undertaken to study the history, incidence, embryoanatomy, clinical presentation, complication and management of Meckel's diverticulum. Although Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract, it is often difficult to diagnose. It may remain asymptomatic or it may mimic disorders such as Crohn's disease, appendicitis and peptic ulcer disease.

Clinical and diagnostic relevance of Meckel's diverticulum in children

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) has varied clinical manifestations and is a diagnostic challenge for pediatricians. This study investigates the clinical and diagnostic characteristics of MD in children with different presentations. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with MD from 1988 to 2008. The data including the age, sex, clinical features, laboratory data, sensitivity of diagnostic methods, and pathological finding were recorded. These patients were classified into three groups: diverticulitis, intestinal obstruction, and intestinal bleeding. A total of 47 children (35 boys and 12 girls) with a median age of 5.6 years were enrolled and categorized as follows: diverticulitis (n = 12), obstruction (n = 12), bleeding (n = 21), and two diagnosed incidentally. Patients with intestinal obstruction were significantly younger than those with bleeding (3.7, 95% CI, 1.6-5.7 vs. 6.6, 95% CI, 4.5-8.7, P = 0.04). In the obstruction group, intussusception was found in eight of 12 patients, of whom 62.5% were aged older than 3 years. Heterotopic tissues were found in 46.3% of surgical specimens and more frequently existed in patients with bleeding than those with diverticulitis (P = 0.02) and obstruction (P = 0.047). Tc-99m scans yielded a diagnostic sensitivity of about 65% in bleeding patients. Repeated Tc-99m scans and red blood cell (RBC) scans can be good supplementary tools in Tc-99m scan-negative bleeding patients. In conclusion, manifestations of childhood MD are variable and may depend on the presence of heterotopic tissues and the patients' age. Tc-99m scans supplemented with RBC scans are appropriate to diagnose childhood MD with bleeding.

Utility of SPECT/CT with Meckel's scintigraphy

Meckel's diverticulum is a relatively common source of gastrointestinal tract morbidity in children. Individuals may present with symptoms of lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding, bowel obstruction or diverticulitis. Technetium-99 m pertechnetate scintigraphy is used to demonstrate those Meckel's diverticula that contain heterotopic gastric mucosa. We present a case of an adolescent male patient with rectal bleeding and suspected Meckel's diverticulum where the use of SPECT/CT fusion imaging provided valuable diagnostic information and prevented a false-negative study.

Ileal duplication cyst: Y-configuration on in vivo sonography

Although the double wall or muscular rim sign is considered to be a characteristic sonographic imaging finding of an enteric duplication cyst, this sign can also be produced by Meckel's diverticulum and sonographic artifacts. The Y-configuration on in vitro sonography has been reported to be useful for the definitive diagnosis of an enteric duplication cyst. Here, we report a case of an intraoperatively confirmed ileal duplication cyst that was correctly diagnosed before by identification of the Y-configuration on in vivo sonography.

CT findings in children with Meckel diverticulum

BACKGROUND

Approximately 0.04% of the general population will present with a complication related to Meckel diverticulum. The classic teaching is that symptomatic children with Meckel diverticulum present with painless rectal bleeding and are evaluated with a radionuclide scan. Our subjective experience is that we see children with Meckel diverticulum who present with abdominal pain and are evaluated by CT.

OBJECTIVE

We reviewed the findings on CT in children with pathologically proven Meckel diverticulum to identify characteristic patterns of presentation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Databases were searched (2004-2008) for all children who had a pathologic diagnosis of Meckel diverticulum and a CT scan performed prior to surgery. Demographics, pathology, and CT features were reviewed. CT features reviewed included: soft-tissue stranding, abnormal calcifications, bowel obstruction, free air, free peritoneal fluid, cystic mass, intussusception, obvious lead point, location, and whether a normal appendix was identified. The frequency of Meckel diverticulum encountered on CT scans was compared to that found during the same period of time on technetium pertechnetate studies.

RESULTS

The review identified 16 subjects (mean age 9.5 years, M:F 9:7). CT findings included: soft-tissue stranding in nine (56%), small-bowel obstruction (SBO) in nine (56%), intussusception in three (19%), free fluid in ten (63%), cystic mass in four (25%), calcification in none (0%), free air in one (6%), and no abnormalities in two (13%). A normal appendix was identified in only five children (31%). There were three basic patterns of presentation of abnormalities: SBO only in five, intussusception with SBO in three, or cystic mass with inflammatory stranding in four (one with SBO). Also, 2.3 times more Meckel diverticulum was encountered on CT than on technetium pertechnetate studies.

CONCLUSION

Meckel diverticulum is currently more commonly encountered in children on CT performed for abdominal pain than on technetium pertechnetate studies. There are three categories of appearance on CT: SBO only, intussusception, or a cystic inflammatory mass.

Ectopic pancreatic-type malignancy presenting in a Meckel's diverticulum: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Neoplasms arising from Meckel's diverticulae reported in the literature are mainly carcinoid tumours, gastrointestinal stromal tumours, and gastric or intestinal adenocarcinomas.

Case presentation

We describe a 50-year-old man who presented with rectal bleeding and anaemia, later found to be caused by a pancreatic adenocarcinoma arising from ectopic pancreatic tissue in a Meckel's diverticulum. The tumour was unfortunately highly aggressive, and the patient passed away within 5 months of symptom onset.

Conclusion

We believe this is the first case of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in a Meckel's diverticulum to be reported in the literature. The diagnosis of Meckel's should be considered in patients with acute gastrointestinal complaints; when found incidentally at laparotomy, it should be carefully examined for any gross abnormality and resection should be considered.

An unusual complication of umbilical catheterisation

We report the first case of perforated Meckel's diverticulum in a 1-day-old pre-term infant as a consequence of umbilical vein catheterisation. The clinical course consisted of abdominal distension and pneumoperitoneum that occurred after 12 h of life. Perforated Meckel's diverticulum was found at laparotomy. Neither inflammatory phenomena nor ectopic mucosa were found at microscopical examination. Perforation of the diverticulum was a complication of umbilical catheter insertion through a narrow lumen in the umbilical cord mistaken for an umbilical vein and connected to Meckel's diverticulum through a very short fibrous band. A search of the literature did not reveal any similar cases.

Radiological features of Meckel's diverticulum and its complications

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the small bowel. The majority of patients with this anomaly will remain asymptomatic; however, several complications may occur, including obstruction, intussusception, perforation, diverticulitis, and gastrointestinal haemorrhage. These complications may produce a variety of different clinical features and radiological appearances. The purpose of this article is to review the potential imaging manifestations of Meckel's diverticulum and its complications and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the imaging techniques available.