Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 2, 2025

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Revisiting the forgotten remnant: Imaging spectrum of Meckel's diverticulum
Manish Kumar1, Priya Singh1, Priti Kumari2
1Department of Radiodiagnosis, Mayo Institute of Medical Science, Barabanki, India.
Abstract:
Meckel's diverticulum is a true diverticulum of the alimentary tract occurring resulting from the persistence of remnants of the vitello-intestinal duct. They are often asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed during surgery. Complications such as intestinal obstruction, diverticulitis, intestinal haemorrhage and perforation may occur with Meckel's diverticulum, which renders them symptomatic. The clinical and imaging diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum is very challenging. As a result of the rare occurrence of complicated Meckel's diverticulum and the difficult preoperative diagnosis, knowledge of its imaging features is limited. The presented case series describes a spectrum of complications caused by Meckel's diverticulum and its CT imaging features. It highlights the importance of a high clinical suspicion by carefully searching for a Meckel's diverticulum on CT in its characteristic location to avoid missing it preoperatively.
Insights
Meckel's diverticulum, a remnant of the vitello-intestinal duct, can cause serious complications. This case series highlights CT imaging features crucial for diagnosing symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum and its complications.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Meckel's diverticulum arises from persistent vitello-intestinal duct remnants.
- It is often asymptomatic, discovered incidentally during surgery.
- Complications include obstruction, diverticulitis, hemorrhage, and perforation, leading to symptoms.
Observation:
- Clinical and imaging diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum is challenging.
- Preoperative diagnosis is difficult due to rarity and limited imaging knowledge.
- This case series presents a spectrum of Meckel's diverticulum complications and their CT features.
Findings:
- Computed tomography (CT) reveals characteristic imaging features of complicated Meckel's diverticulum.
- High clinical suspicion is essential for identifying Meckel's diverticulum on CT.
- Careful examination in typical locations can prevent missed diagnoses.
Implications:
- Enhanced understanding of CT imaging aids in diagnosing symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum.
- Improved preoperative diagnosis can lead to timely surgical intervention.
- Recognizing CT findings is vital for managing Meckel's diverticulum complications.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for...
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies
Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

