The diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum: a continuing challenge

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly of the small intestine.
• Surgical intervention is common for symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of different radiological imaging modalities for diagnosing Meckel's diverticulum.
• To determine the optimal imaging technique for suspected Meckel's diverticulum.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 49 patients operated for Meckel's diverticulum over 10 years.
• Analysis of radiological investigations including radionuclide scintigraphy, small bowel barium enema, and angiography in 11 patients.

Main Results:

• Small bowel barium enema detected abnormalities in 7/8 patients and identified the diverticulum in 6/8.
• Radionuclide scintigraphy was positive in 1/6 patients.
• Angiography demonstrated active bleeding in 2/3 patients with acute bleeding.

Conclusions:

• Small bowel barium enema is the preferred imaging method for suspected Meckel's diverticulum.
• Angiography is recommended for patients presenting with acute bleeding.