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[Perforated ulcer in Meckel's diverticulum]

R Colović1, M Popović

  • 1Institute of Digestive Diseases, University Clinical Centre, Belgrade.

Insights

Perforated peptic ulcers in Meckel

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly that can lead to various complications.
  • Perforated peptic ulcer within Meckel's diverticulum is a rare but serious presentation.

Observation:

  • Reported are three cases (two female, one male) aged 27, 47, and 79 with perforated peptic ulcer of Meckel's diverticulum.
  • All patients presented with diffuse peritonitis, with preoperative diagnosis of the cause being challenging.
  • Surgical interventions included diverticulectomy in two patients and small intestine resection with anastomosis in one.

Findings:

  • Microscopic examination confirmed ectopic gastric mucosa at the diverticulum's apex, causing peptic ulceration.
  • Postoperative complications included wound suppuration and prolonged convalescence in one patient.
  • One elderly patient experienced sudden death from acute heart failure on postoperative day eight.

Implications:

  • This case series highlights the diagnostic difficulty and potential severity of Meckel's diverticulum perforation.
  • Prompt surgical intervention is crucial, but complications and mortality remain significant risks.
  • Ectopic gastric mucosa is the primary etiology for peptic ulceration in Meckel's diverticula.

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