MR enterography of perforated acute Meckel diverticulitis

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Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
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Shilpa Hegde1, Jonathan R Dillman, Samir Gadepalli

  • 1Department of Radiology, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Section of Pediatric Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.

Pediatric Radiology
|May 20, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Meckel diverticulum is a common congenital anomaly often presenting with complications. MR enterography proved effective in diagnosing a rare case of perforated Meckel diverticulitis that mimicked Crohn disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Meckel diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the small intestine.
  • Complications include bleeding, obstruction, and inflammation, often posing diagnostic challenges.
  • Acute Meckel diverticulitis can clinically resemble appendicitis or Crohn disease.

Observation:

  • A 6-year-old boy presented with symptoms mimicking Crohn disease.
  • Initial CT imaging also suggested Crohn disease.
  • The patient had a perforated Meckel diverticulitis.

Findings:

  • MR enterography provided a definitive diagnosis of perforated Meckel diverticulitis.
  • This case highlights the diagnostic difficulties in differentiating Meckel diverticulitis from Crohn disease.
  • The imaging findings on CT were misleading.

Implications:

  • MR enterography may be a valuable tool for diagnosing complex Meckel diverticulitis cases.
  • Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for appropriate surgical management.
  • Enhanced imaging techniques can improve the differentiation of Meckel diverticulitis from other inflammatory bowel conditions.

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