Meckel's Diverticulum, A Rare Presentation in a Neonate

Am Surg. 2023 Jun;89(6):2904-2906. doi: 10.1177/00031348211060431. Epub 2022 Mar 18.

Abstract

Meckel's diverticulum is commonly symptomatic the first 2 years of life. Complications associated with Meckel's diverticulum are due to gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or obstruction. A 5-day-old male presented to the emergency department (ED) with an episode of bright red blood per rectum (BRBPR) associated with emesis. Vital signs were normal and abdomen soft and non-distended. Serial abdominal radiographs progressed to show distention of small bowel and air fluid levels. Operative intervention was undertaken with diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. On exploratory laparotomy, 24 cm of a fibrosed, ischemic closed-loop ileal segment densely adherent to the tip of a Meckel's diverticulum was identified and resected, followed by primary reanastamosis. Histologic findings confirmed ectopic gastric tissue. Symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum is often secondary to intestinal obstruction and hematochezia, findings which are caused by incarcerated inguinal hernia or ileocolic intussusception. Our patient presented with a closed loop, which has not been previously reported.

Keywords: Meckel’s diverticulum; case report; closed-loop bowel obstruction; neonatology; small bowl resection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Cavity* / pathology
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / surgery
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intestinal Obstruction* / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Obstruction* / etiology
  • Intestinal Obstruction* / surgery
  • Intussusception* / etiology
  • Laparotomy / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Meckel Diverticulum* / diagnosis
  • Meckel Diverticulum* / diagnostic imaging