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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

05:07
Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
[Meckel's diverticulitis secondary to enterolith]
C Horlin1, H Sergent, O Delhove
1Service de Radiologie, Hôpital de Joliment, Haine-St-Paul, Belgique.
Journal De Radiologie
|March 22, 2006
Summary
Meckel diverticulitis, a rare complication caused by an enterolith, presented in a young man with severe symptoms. Diagnosis was confirmed using 3D imaging of the small bowel connection.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Meckel diverticulitis is an uncommon inflammation of a Meckel's diverticulum.
- Enteroliths are rare causes of Meckel diverticulitis, often presenting with vague symptoms.
Observation:
- A young male presented with acute abdominal pain, fever, and sepsis, indicative of a serious intra-abdominal process.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed a tubular structure connected to the small intestine.
Findings:
- The case highlights Meckel diverticulitis secondary to an enterolith as the cause of the patient's severe presentation.
- Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed imaging was crucial for diagnosing this rare complication by visualizing the diverticulum's connection to the small bowel.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare etiologies like enterolith-induced Meckel diverticulitis in patients with sepsis and abdominal pain.
- Advanced imaging techniques, such as 3D reconstructions, can aid in the emergency diagnosis of complex gastrointestinal conditions.
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