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Meckel's diverticulum: a review

Kiranjit Uppal1, R Shane Tubbs, Petru Matusz

  • 1Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, St George's University, Grenada, West Indies.

Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.)
|February 16, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Meckel

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology and Embryology

Background:

  • Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital gastrointestinal abnormality.
  • It results from the incomplete obliteration of the omphalomesenteric duct during embryonic development.
  • Typically located near the ileocecal valve, it presents with varied presentations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the embryological basis of Meckel's diverticulum.
  • To highlight its common misdiagnosis, particularly mimicking appendicitis.
  • To discuss clinical manifestations and variations of this congenital anomaly.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of embryological development and clinical presentations of Meckel's diverticulum.
  • Analysis of diagnostic challenges and differential diagnoses.
  • Synthesis of information on prevalence, variations, and complications.

Main Results:

  • Meckel's diverticulum arises from a failure in omphalomesenteric duct obliteration.
  • While often asymptomatic, complications include gastrointestinal bleeding and obstruction.
  • Misdiagnosis is frequent due to overlapping symptoms with appendicitis.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the embryology is key to recognizing Meckel's diverticulum.
  • Increased awareness can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
  • Further research into early detection methods is warranted.

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