Simultaneous Visualization of a Meckel Diverticulum and its Active Bleeding on Tc-99m-Pertechnetate Scintigraphy: An...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Nuclear Medicine Imaging
• Surgical Case Reports

Background:

• Rectorrhagia in children can stem from various causes, including Meckel diverticulum.
• Accurate diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding sources is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of Meckel diverticulum with concurrent active bleeding.
• To discuss the diagnostic implications and challenges of scintigraphy in such cases.

Main Methods:

• A 2-year-old girl with rectorrhagia underwent technetium-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy.
• Scintigraphy aimed to identify ectopic gastric mucosa, a common cause of bleeding in Meckel diverticulum.

Main Results:

• The scan revealed a Meckel diverticulum and simultaneously detected active bleeding in the left abdomen.
• This represents the first reported instance of a Meckel diverticulum presenting with simultaneous active bleeding.

Conclusions:

• Meckel diverticulum can present with active bleeding, posing diagnostic challenges.
• Interpreting scintigraphy requires careful consideration of potential obscuring factors like active hemorrhage.