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Perforated Meckel's Diverticulum as a Rare Cause of Pneumoperitoneum in a Post-pubescent Adolescent: A Case Report

Fiona Beltran1,2, Cornelia Griggs2, Alyssa Stetson2

  • 1Medical School, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA.

Cureus
|October 31, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Meckel's diverticulum rarely perforates, but this case highlights a 17-year-old with peritonitis and pneumoperitoneum due to a perforated Meckel's diverticulum. This condition can mimic appendicitis in adolescents and adults.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a congenital anomaly of the small intestine.
  • While MD can cause complications like intussusception, obstruction, and bleeding, perforation leading to pneumoperitoneum is exceptionally rare.

Observation:

  • A 17-year-old male presented with acute peritonitis.
  • Radiographic imaging revealed pneumoperitoneum and inflammation in the ileocecal region.
  • Intraoperative findings confirmed a perforated Meckel's diverticulum.

Findings:

  • Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum is an uncommon cause of pneumoperitoneum.
  • The clinical presentation and imaging findings can closely resemble complicated appendicitis.

Implications:

  • Meckel's diverticulum should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with pneumoperitoneum and acute surgical abdomen.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses in adolescents and adults with acute abdominal symptoms.
Keywords:
acute surgical abdomenlaparoscopic resectionmeckel’s diverticulumperforationpneumoperitoneum

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