Bleeding Meckel Diverticulum: A Retrospective Analysis of Computed Tomography Enterography Findings

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2019 Mar/Apr;43(2):220-227. doi: 10.1097/RCT.0000000000000833.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the computed tomography enterography (CTE) characteristics of bleeding Meckel diverticulum.

Methods: The CTE images of 35 patients with Meckel diverticulum and gastrointestinal bleeding were retrospectively evaluated.

Results: Meckel diverticulum was visualized in 33 of 35 patients and located in the right lower abdomen (20/33), midline lower abdomen (8/33), left lower abdomen (3/33), or paramedially near the umbilicus (2/33). The Meckel diverticulum was visualized on the antimesenteric side of the ileum in 16 patients (48.5%) and pointed toward the umbilicus in 10 (30.3%). The diverticulum appeared as a blind-ended tubular (22/33 [66.7%]) or saccular (11/33 [33.3%]) bowel segment. Separated supplying vessel was identified in 15 patients (45.5%) and associated with diverticulum (P = 0.037). The ectopic tissue was pathologically confirmed in 11 (33.3%) of 33 patients and was associated with diverticular nodules (P = 0.002).

Conclusions: Awareness of CTE features could aid in the preoperative assessment of bleeding Meckel diverticulum.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Diverticulitis / complications
  • Diverticulitis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / complications
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Ileum / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Meckel Diverticulum / complications
  • Meckel Diverticulum / diagnostic imaging*
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Young Adult