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Bleeding Meckel's diverticulum presenting as focal extravasation on pertechnetate scintigraphy
1Department of Radiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Clinical Nuclear Medicine
|January 1, 1996
Abstract:
The evaluation of gastrointestinal hemorrhage may include a Meckel's scan, particularly in children. Typically, a Meckel's diverticulum shows discrete, focal uptake in the right lower abdomen. The authors describe an adult whose bleeding Meckel's diverticulum manifested as brisk, intermittent intraluminal tracer extravasation.
Insights
Meckel's scans can detect gastrointestinal bleeding. In adults, a bleeding Meckel's diverticulum may present as intraluminal tracer extravasation, differing from typical pediatric presentations.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric imaging
Background:
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhage evaluation often involves diagnostic imaging.
- Meckel's scans are commonly used in pediatric patients to identify Meckel's diverticulum.
- Typical Meckel's diverticulum on scan shows focal uptake in the right lower abdomen.
Observation:
- This study describes a case in an adult patient.
- The adult patient presented with brisk, intermittent intraluminal tracer extravasation.
- This presentation is atypical for Meckel's diverticulum.
Findings:
- The bleeding Meckel's diverticulum in this adult case manifested as intraluminal tracer extravasation.
- This finding differs from the typical focal uptake seen in children.
- The intermittent nature of the extravasation was a key characteristic.
Implications:
- This case highlights the variability of Meckel's diverticulum presentation in adults.
- Nuclear medicine imaging, specifically Meckel's scans, can be valuable in diagnosing adult gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Radiologists and gastroenterologists should consider atypical presentations of Meckel's diverticulum in adult diagnostic workups.