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Mesenteric Meckel's diverticulum or intestinal duplication cyst: A case report with review of literature
Astrit R Hamza1, Besnik X Bicaj1, Fisnik I Kurshumliu2
1Department of Abdominal Surgery, Clinic of Surgery, University Clinical Centre of Kosova (UCCK), 10000, Prishtina, Kosovo; Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina, 10000, Prishtina, Kosovo.
Introduction:
A Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They arise from the middle-to-distal ileum. Contrary to MD, intestinal duplication cyst (IDC) is uncommon congenital anomaly of GI, but can occur anywhere from the tongue to the anus.
Presentation Of Case:
Here we report an 18-year-old male who presented to the department of abdominal surgery with chronic abdominal pain, frequent vomiting and mild abdominal distension. Following radiological investigation, a laparotomy was performed with the preoperative diagnosis of a mesenteric cyst. Intraoperativelly it became apparent that the cystic mass was on the mesenteric aspect of the small bowel without intestinal communication. Resection of the cyst was performed. Histological examination of the specimen revealed the presence of gastric tissue, which resembles MD. Although, the exact diagnosis of this cystic mass is ambiguous between MD and IDC, because of similar clinical signs, their complications and presence of gastric mucosa, however surgical treatment is gold standard of both.
Conclusion:
This case report underlines the necessity of how to differentiate between MD and IDC, although, surgical management is recommended for both.
Insights
This case report details an ambiguous diagnosis between Meckel's diverticulum (MD) and intestinal duplication cyst (IDC) in an 18-year-old male. Surgical resection was performed, highlighting the importance of differentiating these congenital gastrointestinal anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
- Congenital Anomalies
Background:
- Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital gastrointestinal anomaly, arising from the ileum.
- Intestinal duplication cysts (IDCs) are uncommon congenital anomalies that can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Differentiating MD and IDC can be challenging due to similar clinical presentations and potential complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case with an ambiguous diagnosis between Meckel's diverticulum and intestinal duplication cyst.
- To emphasize the diagnostic challenges and management of such congenital gastrointestinal anomalies.
- To highlight the importance of histological examination in differentiating these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of an 18-year-old male with chronic abdominal pain, vomiting, and distension.
- Surgical laparotomy performed with a preoperative diagnosis of a mesenteric cyst.
- Histological examination of the resected cystic mass revealing gastric tissue.
Main Results:
- Intraoperative findings revealed a cystic mass on the mesenteric aspect of the small bowel without intestinal communication.
- Histological examination showed gastric tissue, suggesting a possible Meckel's diverticulum.
- The exact diagnosis remained ambiguous between Meckel's diverticulum and intestinal duplication cyst due to overlapping features.
Conclusions:
- Accurate differentiation between Meckel's diverticulum and intestinal duplication cyst is crucial, despite similar clinical signs and management.
- Surgical treatment is the gold standard for both Meckel's diverticulum and intestinal duplication cyst.
- This case underscores the need for careful evaluation and histological analysis in diagnosing congenital gastrointestinal anomalies.
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