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Case Reports
. 2016 Apr;7(2):118-121.
doi: 10.1136/flgastro-2015-100624. Epub 2015 Oct 21.

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

Abhishek Chauhan  1 , Nigel Suggett  2 , Peter Guest  3 , Jason Goh  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

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

Abhishek Chauhan et al. Frontline Gastroenterol. 2016 Apr.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: ABDOMINAL PAIN; ABDOMINAL SURGERY; BLEEDING.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Coronal image. Composite single photon emission CT/CT scan. Blue arrow shows normal isotope uptake in gastric mucosa, orange arrow shows uptake in ileal mucosa and white arrow highlights urinary isotope excretion.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Resected small bowel sections with abnormal gastric mucosa (arrow) seen.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Transverse section from CT scan suggests Meckel's diverticulum (arrow).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Subsequent transverse section composite scan (single photon emission CT/CT) colocalises and, therefore, confirms Meckel's diverticulum (arrow).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Composite (single photon emission CT/CT) scan showing (arrow) enhanced isotope uptake in ileum.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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