Perforation of acute calculous Meckel's diverticulitis: a rare cause of acute abdomen in elderly

Abstract

Complications of the Meckel's diverticula are well-known and defined. However, acute inflammation and perforation secondary to a calculus is a rare clinical presentation. A case of acute calculous Meckel's diverticulitis with perforation in a 58-year old man is presented and possible pathological conditions are discussed. Location of the perforation, apical microscopic focal ulcers, and ischaemic changes in the diverticulum remind the pathogenesis comparable to that of acute calculous cholecystitis. This case report with major complications related to Meckel's diverticulum strengthens the concept of prophylactic resection of Meckel's diverticulum in adults, incidentally discovered at laparotomy.