A case of Meckel's diverticulitis treated on the assumption of Crohn's disease

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology
• Congenital Abnormalities

Background:

• Meckel's diverticulum is the most frequent congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract.
• It is typically asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during abdominal surgery.
• Symptomatic presentations are more common in children, but rare life-threatening complications can occur in adults.

Observation:

• A 19-year-old patient presented with symptoms of ileus.
• The patient was initially under follow-up for suspected Crohn's disease.
• Surgical intervention was required for the ileus.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with Meckel's diverticulum.
• The ileus was a complication of the Meckel's diverticulum.
• The initial diagnosis of Crohn's disease was revised.

Implications:

• This case underscores that Meckel's diverticulum can cause severe complications, such as ileus, in young adults.
• It emphasizes the need to include Meckel's diverticulum in the differential diagnosis for young adults presenting with intestinal obstruction, even when Crohn's disease is suspected.
• Accurate and timely diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum is crucial to prevent potentially fatal outcomes.