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Meckel's diverticulum abscess in the elderly population: A case report.
Aristeidis Ioannidis1, Georgios Tzikos1, Ioanna Papavasileiou2
11st Propedeutic Department of Surgery, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Kiriakidi 1, 54621, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012)
|February 7, 2022
Summary
Meckel's Diverticulum (MD), a common congenital abnormality, can present with serious complications in the elderly. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this rare but potentially life-threatening condition in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Meckel's Diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting approximately 2% of the population.
- While typically asymptomatic in adults, MD can lead to severe complications, particularly in the elderly population.
Observation:
- A case report details a 75-year-old woman presenting with acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain and fever.
- Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed a Meckel's Diverticulum abscess, necessitating surgical resection along with the appendix and gallbladder.
Findings:
- Complicated Meckel's Diverticulum can be life-threatening and is often difficult to diagnose preoperatively.
- The condition is frequently an incidental finding during abdominal surgery, with up to 60% of cases remaining undiagnosed prior to intervention.
Implications:
- Awareness of Meckel's Diverticulum complications in the elderly is vital for timely and accurate diagnosis.
- Considering MD in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in older patients can significantly improve patient outcomes.
