Angioembolisation of a Bleeding Meckel's Diverticulum

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Vascular Surgery
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Meckel's diverticulum is a rare congenital anomaly.
• Bleeding Meckel's diverticulum is uncommon in adults, lacking established management guidelines.
• Hematochezia necessitates prompt investigation to identify the source.

Observation:

• An adult patient presented with significant hematochezia.
• Diagnostic workup identified a bleeding Meckel's diverticulum as the cause.
• The rarity of this adult presentation complicates treatment decisions.

Findings:

• Angioembolisation was utilized for both diagnosis and therapy.
• This interventional radiology technique provided effective short-term hemorrhage control.
• The feasibility of angioembolisation in managing bleeding Meckel's diverticulum was demonstrated.

Implications:

• Angioembolisation is a viable option for stabilizing patients with bleeding Meckel's diverticulum.
• This approach facilitates elective surgical management, improving patient outcomes.
• Further research may establish angioembolisation as a standard treatment modality.