The 'fading' Meckel's diverticulum. An unusual scintigraphic presentation

Area of Science:

• Nuclear medicine imaging
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical diagnosis

Background:

• Meckel's diverticulum diagnosis often relies on Tc-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy.
• Typical scintigraphy shows progressive radioisotope accumulation in ectopic gastric mucosa.

Observation:

• A case of acute gastrointestinal bleeding in an adult with negative endoscopic and radiologic findings.
• Atypical scintigraphic uptake pattern: initial appearance concurrent with the stomach, followed by transient disappearance, and later reappearance.

Findings:

• Meckel's diverticulum was surgically confirmed despite atypical scintigraphy.
• The abnormal uptake pattern was transient and did not follow the typical progressive accumulation.

Implications:

• Highlights the diagnostic value of scintigraphy in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Emphasizes considering Meckel's diverticulum even with unusual imaging findings in adults.