Littre hernia in adults: imaging features and clinical implications

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Littre hernia is defined as a hernia containing a Meckel's diverticulum.
• Pre-operative diagnosis of Littre hernia is difficult due to challenges in identifying the diverticulum within the hernia.
• This condition is rare, with most cases diagnosed intraoperatively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a series of adult patients with Littre hernias diagnosed pre-operatively.
• To highlight the imaging characteristics that facilitate the radiological recognition of Meckel's diverticulum within hernias.
• To review the literature on the prevalence and clinical significance of Littre hernias.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 8 adult patients with Littre hernias.
• Utilized imaging modalities including barium studies of the small bowel or colon, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Reviewed relevant medical literature on Littre hernias.

Main Results:

• Eight adult patients (7 men, 1 woman; age range 34-78 years) with Littre hernias were identified.
• Pre-operative diagnosis was achieved using barium studies, CT, and MRI.
• Seven patients underwent successful hernia repair with diverticulum resection.
• Only 5% of published Littre hernia cases are diagnosed pre-operatively, often when complications arise.

Conclusions:

• Advanced imaging techniques like CT and MRI can aid in the pre-operative diagnosis of Littre hernias.
• Early radiological detection of Meckel's diverticulum in hernias is possible and crucial for timely surgical intervention.
• Increased awareness of imaging findings can improve the diagnostic rate of this rare entity.