A Tumor-Like Inverted Meckel's Diverticulum: The Culprit Behind Adult Ileal Intussusception and a Diagnostic Pitfall

Hiroyuki Tokue1, Hiroaki Yamada1, Yoshito Tsushima1

  • 1Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, JPN.

Cureus
|July 17, 2025
PubMed

Insights

An inverted Meckel's diverticulum (MD) with necrosis can mimic a tumor, causing adult intussusception. Early recognition of this rare condition is vital for accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a congenital anomaly.
  • Intussusception in adults is uncommon and often associated with a lead point, frequently malignancy.
  • Atypical presentations of MD can complicate diagnosis.

Observation:

  • A 65-year-old male presented with acute abdominal pain and distension.
  • Imaging revealed ileo-ileal intussusception with a mass mimicking a tumor.
  • Symptoms included prior intermittent discomfort and hematochezia.

Findings:

  • Surgical resection identified an inverted Meckel's diverticulum with hemorrhagic necrosis.
  • Histopathology confirmed ectopic gastric mucosa within the diverticulum.
  • The patient recovered well postoperatively.

Implications:

  • Inverted necrotic Meckel's diverticulum is a rare cause of adult intussusception.
  • This condition can mimic intraluminal tumors on imaging.
  • Consider MD in the differential diagnosis of distal ileal masses, especially with unexplained abdominal pain or GI bleeding.

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