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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
[Stromal tumor of Meckel's diverticulum--a rare source of gastrointestinal bleeding and a real diagnostic problem]
M Bărbulescu1, T Burcoş, C D Ungureanu
1Clinica chirurgicală, Spitalul Clinic Colţea, Bucureşti.
Abstract:
Although Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract, complications in adults are rare, especially in the elderly. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding as a result of Meckel's diverticulum with ectopic gastric mucosa is unusual among the elderly. The case we report involved a 69 year old man with gastrointestinal hemorrhage found to be due a stromal tumor developed on Meckel's diverticulum. We considered our case interesting because of its rarity and of preoperative diagnosis difficulty.
Insights
A rare case of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in an elderly man was caused by a stromal tumor on Meckel's diverticulum. Preoperative diagnosis of this unusual complication presented significant challenges.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital gastrointestinal anomaly.
- Complications are rare, particularly in elderly patients.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old man presented with lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
- The bleeding source was identified as a stromal tumor on a Meckel's diverticulum.
Findings:
- The stromal tumor on Meckel's diverticulum caused significant gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Preoperative diagnosis was difficult due to the rarity of this presentation in the elderly.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare causes of gastrointestinal bleeding in older adults.
- Underscores the diagnostic challenges associated with Meckel's diverticulum complications in the elderly.
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