Diagnosis of a bleeding Meckel's diverticulum using radiopertechnetate

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Nuclear Medicine

Background:

• Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly that can cause lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Diagnosing the source of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding can be challenging.

Observation:

• A case report details bleeding originating from a Meckel's diverticulum.

Findings:

• Technetium-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy successfully diagnosed the bleeding Meckel's diverticulum.
• This noninvasive imaging technique proved effective in identifying the source of hemorrhage.

Implications:

• Tc99m pertechnetate scanning offers a valuable, noninvasive diagnostic tool for suspected Meckel's diverticulum.
• Early utilization of this imaging modality can aid in the differential diagnosis of lower GI bleeding.