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Perforated Meckel diverticulum

Brian T Kloss1, Claire E Broton, Anne Marie Sullivan

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Upstate Medical University, 550 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13202 USA.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine
|March 5, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Perforation of a Meckel diverticulum (MD) can mimic appendicitis in children. This case highlights the importance of considering MD in pediatric patients with suspected appendicitis, especially when imaging is inconclusive.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastrointestinal Surgery
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Meckel diverticulum (MD) perforation is a rare but serious complication.
  • It frequently presents with symptoms that mimic acute appendicitis, leading to diagnostic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of a pediatric patient with Meckel diverticulum perforation.
  • To emphasize the diagnostic considerations for Meckel diverticulum in pediatric appendicitis mimics.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a child presenting with right lower quadrant abdominal pain.
  • Utilized ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) for initial evaluation.
  • Diagnosis confirmed intraoperatively via laparoscopy.

Main Results:

  • Initial presentation suggested ruptured appendicitis.
  • Imaging revealed free fluid and air, and inflammatory changes.
  • Laparoscopy confirmed Meckel diverticulum perforation as the cause.

Conclusions:

  • Ruptured Meckel diverticulum should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric appendicitis.
  • High index of suspicion is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
  • Laparoscopy remains a key diagnostic and therapeutic tool.

Keywords:
Meckel diverticulumMeckel diverticulum complicationsPerforated Meckel diverticulum, appendicitis mimic

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