Obstructive acute abdomen due to Meckel's diverticulum in adult: Case report

Meckel's diverticulum is anatomically considered as a true diverticulum, with its embryological origins arising from a persistent omphalomesenteric duct. In adults, the disease is usually asymptomatic, often being accidentally diagnosed during imaging tests or surgery to treat other diseases, or due to further complications.

We report the case of a 26-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency room complaining of pain and abdominal distension for 3 days, progressing to cessation of the elimination of gas for 1 day together with nausea and vomiting. Since the cause of the obstruction was not clearly identified, the patient's clinical status did not improve with non-operative measures and laparoscopy was not available, an exploratory laparotomy was conducted. In the cavity inventory, an approximately 20 cm wide MD was found in the terminal ileum adhered to the distal portion of the anterior abdominal wall.

MD is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, with an estimated prevalence of between 0.3 % and 2.9 % in the general population. The clinical picture is usually asymptomatic, with the diagnosis made either via imaging tests performed to investigate other diseases, or during surgery to treat complications.

MD is the most common anomaly of the digestive tract, despite its low prevalence. It presents even rarer complications, including obstruction, digestive bleeding, or diverticulitis. It is important to consider the diverticulum as a diagnostic hypothesis in cases of obstruction without apparent causes, but it does not alter the initial management of the patient.