Recurrent intussusception in a child revealing a neuroendocrine tumor within a Meckel's diverticulum: a case report

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, often asymptomatic but occasionally presenting with various complications. Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are slow-growing neoplasms that mostly originate from the small intestine. The typical age for the presence of a carcinoid tumor within MD is above 50s. NETs reported to be the most common primary malignancy originating from MD in elderly. We report the first case of a female child who demonstrated five episodes of intussusception, ending in surgical resection revealing a NET within MD. The histopathology study proved a low-grade tumor with no evidence of necrosis. Current literature lacks definitive guidelines for managing NET in MD cases, especially in pediatric populations, necessitating further research for optimal treatment strategies. Prompt removal of the diverticulum upon discovery is advised to enable early detection and treatment of carcinoid tumors, thereby avoiding potential complications or advanced disease stages.