Complicated Meckel's Diverticulum Presenting as Pneumoperitoneum in an Adolescent

BACKGROUND The finding of pneumoperitoneum frequently leads to operative management for diagnosis and treatment. The etiology of pneumoperitoneum includes perforated viscus, such as perforated peptic ulcers, small or large intestinal perforations, appendicitis, and complicated sigmoid diverticulitis. We describe the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative course of a patient with perforated Meckel’s diverticulitis presenting with pneumoperitoneum. This unusual presenting finding highlights that Meckel’s diverticulum should be included in the differential diagnosis in adolescents and young adults presenting with pneumoperitoneum. CASE REPORT We describe a case of an 18-year-old male who presented with 1 day of abdominal pain, found to have pneumoperitoneum during workup, attributed to perforated Meckel’s diverticulum. CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis were performed, confirming pneumoperitoneum, an inflamed segment of distal ileum, and a non-visualized appendix, which made the diagnosis difficult. Perforated Meckel’s diverticulum, likely due to infection, was confirmed by diagnostic laparoscopy. The Meckel’s diverticulum was then exteriorized and removed by segmental small bowel resection with primary anastomosis. The final pathology report confirmed perforated Meckel’s diverticulum with gastric oxyntic-type mucosa. CONCLUSIONS This case illustrates an uncommon presentation of Meckel’s diverticulum in an adolescent with pneumoperitoneum. Pneumoperitoneum requires broadening the diagnosis to include other causes, including Meckel’s diverticulum, especially in the setting of an acute abdomen. This case highlights that a high index of suspicion should be kept for Meckel’s diverticulum, even in adolescents and young adults with pneumoperitoneum.