See Also
1. Appendicitis
Epidemiology
1. More common in males by ratio of 3:2
2. Lifetime complication rate: 4%
  1. More than 50% of complications occur before age 10
History
1. Initial report by Hildanus in 1598
2. Detailed description by Johann Meckel in 1809
Pathophysiology: Meckel's Diverticulum
1. Incomplete vitelline duct (omphalomesenteric) closure
2. Location
  1. Proximal to ileocecal valve by 100 cm
  2. Usually within 45 to 60 cm of ileocecal valve
Differential Diagnosis of Meckel's Diverticulitis
1. See Appendicitis
Complications of Meckel's Diverticulum
1. GI Bleeding (25-50% of complications)
  1. Often associated with ectopic gastric mucosa
  2. Hemorrhage is most common presentation under age 2
2. Meckel's Diverticulitis (10-20% of complications)
  1. Similar in presentation to Appendicitis
3. Bowel Obstruction
  1. Volvulus at fibrotic band attached to abdominal wall
  2. Intussusception
  3. Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia (Littre's hernia)
4. Other complications
  1. Carcinoid Tumor
Radiology
1. Radionuclide Scintigraphy (Sodium Tc-pertechnetate)
  1. Preferential uptake by gastric tissue
  2. Most accurate test in Meckel's Diverticulum
    1. Test Sensitivity: 85% in children
    2. Test Specificity: 95% in children
  3. Less accurate in adults
    1. Cimetidine increases accuracy in adults
2. Small bowel enema
  1. Indicated for negative scintigraphy in adults
3. Arteriography (indicated for acute hemorrhage)
4. Tests not useful in evaluation for Meckel's
  1. CT Abdomen
  2. Ultrasound
  3. Abdominal XRay
Management: Meckel's Diverticulum
1. Symptomatic (e.g. Meckel's Diverticulitis)
  1. Prompt surgical resection
2. Asymptomatic incidental finding on other surgery
  1. Prophylactic resection recommended
References
1. Townsend (2001) Sabiston Surgery, Saunders, p. 907-9
2. Cullen (1994) Ann Surg 220:564
3. Rossi (1996) AJR 166:567
4. Yahchouchy (2001) J Am Coll Surg 192:658

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This page was written by Scott Moses, MD. This page was last revised before 5/10/08, prior to consistent tracking of revision date. This page was last published on 5/10/2008. Please send comments and questions to the editor. Contact information may be found on the page About the Family Practice Notebook. These pages are best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0.