Persistent Vitello-Intestinal Duct Masquerading as Acute Appendicitis: A Case Report

Abstract

The vitello-intestinal duct normally regresses with the development. But, in certain cases, it could persist and present as Meckel's diverticulum. Here we report a case of an eight-year-old boy presenting with peri-umbilical abdominal pain, vomiting and loose stool. He was initially diagnosed and managed as acute appendicitis but did not improve, rather developed features of intestinal obstruction. Exploratory laparotomy was done which revealed persistent vitello-intestinal duct and was managed surgically. This case report highlights that in any case of suspected acute appendicitis, the complications of persistent vitello-intestinal duct should be considered as one of the differentials.

Keywords

• appendicitis; case reports; intestinal obstruction; laparotomy; omphalomesenteric duct.