Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Report of Meckel Diverticulum Mimicking Stricturing Crohn's Disease in an Adolescent Boy
Merissa Maccani1, Courtney Bartel1,2, Oscar F Lopez-Nunez3,4
1Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH.
Abstract:
Inflammatory bowel disease, specifically Crohn's disease (CD), can present with hematochezia, iron deficiency anemia, intestinal obstruction, elevated fecal calprotectin often overlapping with other conditions. We report a 16-year-old adolescent boy with presumed stricturing CD whose anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy failed to respond. Persistent iron deficiency anemia and elevated fecal calprotectin prompted reevaluation imaging, raising concerns for the Meckel diverticulum. Surgical resection resulted in resolution of anemia. This case highlights the importance of reassessing a diagnosis in refractory cases. Providers should consider the Meckel diverticulum as a diagnosis that can mimic CD especially if the course is refractory to treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Diverticular Disease of the Colon
Appendicitis
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...