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Association of Meckel's diverticulum and Crohn's disease
S N Glick1, D D Maglinte, H Herlinger
1Department of Radiology, Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102.
Abstract:
A significant association between Meckel's diverticulum and Crohn's disease has been suggested in the clinical literature. Ten patients with entities demonstrated radiographically as well as cases reported in the literature were analyzed to determine the relevance of this association to radiologic evaluation. The Meckel's diverticulum in most cases was an incidental finding whereas the Crohn's disease usually accounted for the patient's clinical symptoms. Recognition of this association should prevent unnecessary laparotomy for an incidental Meckel's diverticulum and improve the radiographic diagnosis of coexistent Crohn's disease.
Insights
Meckel's diverticulum is often incidentally found in patients with Crohn's disease. Recognizing this association aids in avoiding unnecessary surgery and improving radiographic diagnosis of both conditions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- A potential link between Meckel's diverticulum and Crohn's disease is noted in medical literature.
- Radiographic findings often present challenges in differentiating these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the association between Meckel's diverticulum and Crohn's disease.
- To determine the relevance of this association for radiologic evaluation and clinical management.
Main Methods:
- Review of ten patient cases with radiographically demonstrated entities.
- Analysis of reported literature cases concerning Meckel's diverticulum and Crohn's disease.
Main Results:
- Meckel's diverticulum was frequently an incidental finding.
- Crohn's disease symptoms typically drove the clinical presentation.
- The association impacts diagnostic and surgical decisions.
Conclusions:
- Awareness of the Meckel's diverticulum-Crohn's disease association can prevent unnecessary laparotomies for incidental diverticula.
- Improved radiographic diagnosis of coexistent Crohn's disease is facilitated by recognizing this association.