Tubercular Meckel diverticulitis mimicking acute appendicitis

Abstract

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is usually silent and asymptomatic. Acute diverticulitis, perforation, intestinal obstruction, hemorrhage, and other complications are seen in <4% of cases of MD. 27 year old female, presented with complaints of pain in her abdomen, clinically suspected of acute appendicitis, and finally diagnosed with tubercular Meckel diverticulitis. A clinical and laboratory diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulitis is challenging as it mimics appendicitis and is generally observed during surgical procedures. Meckel's diverticulitis should be suspected and explored, especially when the appendix appears normal in an acute abdomen. The presence of intestinal tuberculosis (TB) in unusual locations should be closely monitored, particularly in countries where TB is endemic.

Keywords

• appendicitis
• meckel's diverticulitis
• tuberculosis