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Spontaneous perforation and intraabdominal abscess due to Meckel's diverticulum revealed on SPECT/CT with
Yangjun Zhu1, Mengjie Dong2, Wanwen Weng2
1The Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou.
Rationale:
Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is common congenital abnormality of gastrointestinal tract, only about 6.4% of patients become symptomatic. A smaller minority develop potential fatal complications such as hemorrhage, perforation, abscess, and bowel obstruction.
Patient Concerns:
A 15-year-old boy with history of appendicitis was admitted due to worsening abdominal pain and nausea for 1 day. The physical examination showed the abdomen was soft, with the diffuse tenderness to palpation and voluntary guarding.
Diagnosis:
Abdominal computed tomography showed a probable MD in the distal ileum. Single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) fusion imaging revealed the focal concentration at the right lower quadrant of abdomen region.
Intervention:
After the initial management including antibiotic administration and intravenous fluid resuscitation, MD with perforation and localized suppurative peritonitis was confirmed in surgery. The patient underwent a diverticulectomy. Histological examination was confirmed as MD with focal heterotopic gastric tissue.
Outcomes:
After surgery, the patient had uneventful recovery during 3 months follow-up.
Lessons:
Spontaneous perforation and intraabdominal abscess due to MD is very rare. Accurate diagnosis of MD remains challenging as clinical symptoms from these complications occur nonspecifically. SPECT/CT fusion imaging is critical for prompt recognition and accurate diagnosis in the successful management of this rarely life-threating complication.
Insights
Meckel's diverticulum perforation is rare but serious. SPECT/CT imaging aids in diagnosing this life-threatening condition, leading to successful surgical management and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a common congenital gastrointestinal anomaly, with symptomatic presentation occurring in only 6.4% of cases.
- Complications like hemorrhage, perforation, and abscess are rare but potentially fatal.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old male presented with acute abdominal pain and nausea, exhibiting diffuse tenderness and guarding.
- Initial CT suggested MD; SPECT/CT fusion imaging identified focal uptake in the right lower quadrant.
Findings:
- Surgery confirmed Meckel's diverticulum with perforation and localized suppurative peritonitis.
- Histopathology revealed MD with heterotopic gastric tissue.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of symptomatic MD, especially with perforation, is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms.
- SPECT/CT fusion imaging is crucial for timely diagnosis and successful management of rare, life-threatening MD complications.
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