Capsule endoscopy as a diagnostic test for Meckel's diverticulum

We described a case series of patients diagnosed with Meckel's diverticulum using capsule endoscopy (CE), reviewed the literature, and aimed to reveal the common CE characteristics of Meckel's diverticulum.

We reviewed a case series of Meckel's diverticulum in the Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital Affliated to the Capital Medical University. In each case, primary upper endoscopy and colonoscopy failed to reveal a reason to explain the complaints (hematochezia in three cases and abdominal pain in one). CE (Pillcam SB2, Given Imaging, Yoqneam, Israel) was chosen as the next diagnostic test of choice and Meckel's diverticulum was detected by CE. Then, endoscopic characteristics and follow-up of Meckel's diverticulum were analyzed.

4 patients were enrolled. CE revealed Meckel's diverticulum in patients with different features. In case 1, CE revealed a typically double lumen sign and diaphragm sign, with visible blood. In case 2 and case 3, CE revealed a protruding lesion with/without erosion. In case 4, CE revealed multiple caved lesions, double lumen sign and capsule retention in an abnormal blind end for over 2 hours.

Except double lumen sign, partial disappearance of normal mucosa and capsule retention, other CE findings could be used for the diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum, such as protruding lesion, caved lesion, solitary polyp and stenosing lesion.