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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Perforated Meckel's diverticulitis on the mesenteric side: MDCT findings
Sara Seitun1, Lucia Di Vito, Umberto G Rossi
1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, San Martino University Hospital, Genoa, Italy. saraseitun@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastro-intestinal tract (approximately 2% of population), and arises from improper closure and absorption of the omphalomesenteric duct. Very few cases of Meckel's diverticulitis on the mesenteric side have been reported in the surgical literature, and no reported cases have been documented on preoperative imaging. We report a 65-year-old woman presenting symptoms and signs of acute abdomen with an initial suspicion of acute appendicitis. MDCT imaging revealed a mesenteric abscess in the right lower quadrant at the level of the distal ileum as a complication of Meckel's diverticulitis on the mesenteric side. The patient recovered after a diverticulectomy without the need for a small bowel resection. This case demonstrates that MDCT is a fast imaging technique that may be helpful in the emergency setting for the preoperative diagnosis of an unusual complicated MD on the mesenteric side.
Insights
Meckel
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a common congenital gastrointestinal anomaly.
- Complications of MD, particularly diverticulitis on the mesenteric side, are rare.
- Preoperative diagnosis of mesenteric Meckel's diverticulitis is seldom reported.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old woman presented with acute abdomen, initially suspected as appendicitis.
- MDCT imaging identified a mesenteric abscess in the right lower quadrant.
- The abscess was linked to Meckel's diverticulitis on the mesenteric side.
Findings:
- MDCT successfully diagnosed an unusual case of complicated Meckel's diverticulitis.
- The patient underwent successful diverticulectomy without bowel resection.
- This highlights MDCT's utility in emergency diagnosis.
Implications:
- MDCT can aid in the preoperative diagnosis of rare Meckel's diverticulitis complications.
- Early diagnosis can lead to less invasive surgical management.
- This case expands the understanding of Meckel's diverticulum presentations.
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