Meckel's diverticula: angiographic diagnosis in patients with non-acute hemorrhage and negative scintigraphy

Meckel's diverticula were detected by mesenteric angiography in 2 patients with unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding following negative barium, endoscopic, and scintigraphic evaluation. Abnormal, irregular, arterial branches supplied by an elongated, nonbranching ileal artery and an associated capillary stain were present in each case. Since neither diverticulum was bleeding at the time of angiography, focal contrast extravasation was not present. Superselective magnification angiography, evacuation of contrast from the urinary bladder, and careful patient positioning significantly improved the visibility of these lesions. Visceral angiography performed with meticulous attention to technical detail can be diagnostic of Meckel's diverticulum, even in the absence of acute hemorrhage.