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Published on: July 21, 2023
Inverted Meckel's diverticulum preoperatively diagnosed using double-balloon enteroscopy
Kosuke Takagaki1, Satoshi Osawa1, Tatsuhiro Ito1
1Kosuke Takagaki, Tatsuhiro Ito, Moriya Iwaizumi, Yasushi Hamaya, Ken Sugimoto, First Department of Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan.
Abstract:
An inverted Meckel's diverticulum is a rare gastrointestinal congenital anomaly that is difficult to diagnose prior to surgery and presents with anemia, abdominal pain, or intussusception. Here, we report the case of 57-year-old men with an inverted Meckel's diverticulum, who was preoperatively diagnosed using double-balloon enteroscopy. He had repeatedly experienced epigastric pain for 2 mo. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed intestinal wall thickening in the pelvis. Double-balloon enteroscopy via the anal route was performed for further examination, which demonstrated an approximately 8-cm, sausage-shaped, submucosal tumor located approximately 80 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. A small depressed erosion was observed at the tip of this lesion. Forceps biopsy revealed heterotopic gastric mucosa. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with an inverted Meckel's diverticulum, and single-incision laparoscopic surgery was performed. This case suggests that an inverted Meckel's diverticulum should be considered as a differential diagnosis for a submucosal tumor in the ileum. Balloon-assisted enteroscopy with forceps biopsy facilitate a precise diagnosis of this condition.
Insights
An inverted Meckel's diverticulum, a rare anomaly, was diagnosed preoperatively using double-balloon enteroscopy. This case highlights the diagnostic value of balloon-assisted enteroscopy for identifying this challenging condition.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Case Reports
Background:
- Inverted Meckel's diverticulum is a rare congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract.
- It often presents with non-specific symptoms such as anemia, abdominal pain, or intussusception, making preoperative diagnosis challenging.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old male presented with recurrent epigastric pain.
- Initial imaging (ultrasonography and CT) revealed pelvic intestinal wall thickening.
- Double-balloon enteroscopy identified an 8-cm submucosal lesion proximal to the ileocecal valve, with a small erosion.
Findings:
- Forceps biopsy of the lesion confirmed heterotopic gastric mucosa.
- The patient was diagnosed with an inverted Meckel's diverticulum.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering inverted Meckel's diverticulum in the differential diagnosis of ileal submucosal tumors.
- Balloon-assisted enteroscopy, particularly with forceps biopsy, is crucial for accurate preoperative diagnosis of this rare condition.
- Successful surgical management was achieved via single-incision laparoscopy.
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