Meckel's diverticulum and the eponymous legend

Meckel's diverticulum containing enterolith mimicking acute appendicitis

Introduction

Meckel's diverticulum is a vestige of the vitello-intestinal duct. It is one of the most common congenital abnormality of the GI tract.

Case presentation

We present a case of a male patient who presented with pain in the peri-umbilical region and in right iliac fossa. A clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis was made, but, interestingly it turned out to be a Meckel's diverticulum having enterolith intraoperatively. The patient underwent wedge resection and the post-operative course was uneventful.

Conclusion

Meckel's diverticulum containing enterolith is rare. This can mimick as acute appendicitis and the surgeon needs to be wary of this.

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Meckel's diverticulum containing enterolith is rare.

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This can present as an episode of acute appendicitis.

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One needs to have a high index of suspicion for Meckel’s diverticulum in such cases.

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Diagnostic Laparoscopy plays a pivotal role in such cases.

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Segmental resection is the treatment of choice.

[Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum by a fishbone]

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital defect of the gastrointestinal tract. It is most often silent or asymptomatic. However, acute abdominal signs of obstruction, inflammation, hemorrhage and perforation are possible in other cases. Different foreign bodies can cause perforation of Meckel's diverticulum. We present an 18-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain within 48 previous hours. After evaluation, acute appendicitis was diagnosed and he underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. Meckel's diverticulum perforated by a fish bone was intraoperatively discovered. Incidental appendectomy and segmental resection of the ileum were performed.

Axially torsional Meckel's diverticulum accompanied by small bowel volvulus: a case report

Small bowel volvulus secondary to Meckel’s diverticulum is rare, and a delayed diagnosis results in disastrous outcomes. Computed tomography is conducive to early differential diagnosis. In particular, a blind-ending pouch structure on CT always indicates Meckel’s diverticulum. Diverticulectomy with or without adjacent partial small intestinal resection is the standard treatment for symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum. However, the therapy for asymptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum is controversial. Here, we report the case of a 20-year-old man who suffered intestinal obstruction secondary to small bowel volvulus caused by an axially torsional, gangrenous, and giant Meckel’s diverticulum. Diverticulectomy with partial intestinal resection was performed.

Meckel's diverticulum with polypoid hyperplasia of ectopic gastric mucosa diagnosed by double-balloon enteroscopy and single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography

Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is a relatively common true congenital diverticulum on the ileum. Bleeding caused by polypoid hyperplasia of ectopic gastric mucosa in MD is rare. A 14-year-old Chinese boy presented with intermittent melena and haematochezia for 1 month. Laboratory data showed normocytic anaemia. Gastroscopic findings were normal. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy without bowel preparation on day 2 because of sudden haematochezia and decreased haemoglobin. Intraoperative colonoscopy revealed inflammatory changes in the terminal ileal mucosa with diffuse haemorrhage. Melena with decreased haemoglobin recurred 20 days after the first operation. Computed tomography (CT) and angiography revealed a tubular lesion that was localised in the right lower abdominal quadrant. Single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) fusion imaging with 99m-technetium pertechnetate confirmed moderately increased uptake in the distal ileum. Retrograde double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) showed a diverticulum with prominent mucosal polypoid hyperplasia at an insertion depth of 100 cm from the anastomotic stoma. Diverticulectomy and end-to-end anastomosis were performed, and MD was confirmed by a histopathological examination. The patient’s postoperative recovery was uneventful during the 2-month follow-up. MD with polypoid hyperplasia of ectopic gastric mucosa is rare. Complementary use of DBE and SPECT/CT can accurately diagnose MD by providing anatomical and functional information.

The Many Faces of Meckel's Diverticulum: Update on Management in Incidental and Symptomatic Patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Meckel's diverticulum may be detected incidentally or present with symptoms from infancy and to old age. The presentation may be acute, with several complications associated with the condition. We aim to review the many faces with which a Meckel's diverticulum may present, either symptomatically or as an incidental finding.

RECENT FINDINGS

Due to its rarity, recent studies mainly include small retrospective series or case reports. Emphasis in the recent literature is on clinical presentation, the pathology of symptomatic cases, management options and risks of neoplasia. Symptoms are mainly caused by obstruction, bleeding or diverticulitis. Cross-sectional imaging is unspecific, although capsule endoscopy is reported of use in case series. Meckel's diverticulum presents with clinical features that are age-specific. Complicated Meckel's diverticulum is treated by resection. Optimal treatment of incidental cases remains debated. Meckel's diverticulum usually stays asymptomatic, and decision-making for management should be based on patient-specific factors. Use of minimal invasive techniques mandates refinement of the optimal treatment.