An uncommon cause of abdominal pain in a child: Meckel diverticulum

Abstract

Meckel diverticulum, a common congenital anomaly of the small intestine, can be responsible of several complications due to the presence of ectopic gastric mucosa and represents a challenge for diagnosis. We present the case of a 11-year boy suffering from intestinal pain and bleeding in which radiological examinations unexpectedly raised the suspicion of Meckel diverticulum. The diagnosis was confirmed using 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphy. At surgery, a fistulous tract between Meckel diverticulum and an inflamed appendix was found. The authors discuss the role of medical nuclear imaging which, notwithstanding its limitations, is of fundamental importance to achieve a correct and timely diagnosis. This is of particular relevance in unusual cases, as the one presented, in which Meckel diverticulum is found concurrently with other intestinal abnormalities.

Keywords

• Appendix
• Meckel
• Scintigraphy