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Meckel's diverticulum-rare complications and review of the literature
1Department of General Surgery, Glenfield General Hospital, Leicester.
Abstract:
Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastro-intestinal tract. It arises as a result of incomplete dissolution of the vitello-intestinal duct. Approximately 4% of patients with Meckel's diverticula develop complications, most commonly obstruction, gastro-intestinal bleeding and inflammation. We describe three unusual presentations of Meckel's diverticulum-perforation due to ingested foreign body, a smooth muscle neoplasm simulating an ovarian tumour, and a Littre's hernia.
Insights
Meckel's diverticulum, a common congenital anomaly, can cause complications like obstruction or bleeding. This study highlights three rare presentations: foreign body perforation, a neoplasm mimicking an ovarian tumor, and Littre's hernia.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
- Congenital Abnormalities
Background:
- Meckel's diverticulum is the most frequent congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract.
- It results from the incomplete closure of the vitello-intestinal duct.
- While often asymptomatic, approximately 4% of individuals experience complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report three uncommon clinical presentations of Meckel's diverticulum.
- To emphasize the diverse and sometimes atypical clinical manifestations of this condition.
- To enhance awareness among clinicians regarding unusual Meckel's diverticulum presentations.
Main Methods:
- Case series review.
- Analysis of clinical data and pathological findings for three distinct cases.
- Radiological and surgical documentation.
Main Results:
- Case 1: Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum caused by an ingested foreign body.
- Case 2: A smooth muscle neoplasm within Meckel's diverticulum, clinically resembling an ovarian tumor.
- Case 3: A Meckel's diverticulum incarcerated within a Littre's hernia.
Conclusions:
- Meckel's diverticulum can present with rare and varied complications beyond the typical obstruction, bleeding, or inflammation.
- Unusual presentations, such as foreign body perforation, neoplasm, and hernia involvement, require high clinical suspicion.
- These cases underscore the importance of considering Meckel's diverticulum in the differential diagnosis of diverse abdominal pathologies.