Capsule endoscopy as a diagnostic test for Meckel's diverticulum.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly of the small intestine.
• Diagnosis can be challenging, often requiring advanced imaging techniques.
• Capsule endoscopy (CE) offers a minimally invasive approach to visualize the small bowel.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a case series of Meckel's diverticulum diagnosed via capsule endoscopy.
• To review literature and identify common CE characteristics of Meckel's diverticulum.
• To evaluate CE as a diagnostic tool for Meckel's diverticulum.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of four patients diagnosed with Meckel's diverticulum using CE.
• Patients presented with hematochezia or abdominal pain, with negative upper endoscopy and colonoscopy.
• Analysis of CE findings, including lesion appearance and capsule behavior.

Main Results:

• Capsule endoscopy detected Meckel's diverticulum in all four patients.
• Observed CE features included double lumen sign, diaphragm sign, protruding lesions, caved lesions, and capsule retention.
• Visible blood was noted in one case, and capsule retention occurred in a blind end in another.

Conclusions:

• Capsule endoscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing Meckel's diverticulum.
• Specific CE findings like protruding/caved lesions, solitary polyps, and stenosing lesions aid diagnosis.
• While the double lumen sign is characteristic, other findings are also diagnostic.