Meckel's Diverticulum Flashcards
What is Meckel’s diverticulum?
Meckel’s diverticulum is a congenital (present from birth) pouch or sac that forms in the wall of the small intestine, typically located about 2 feet from where the small intestine meets the large intestine.
What is the name of the remnant that the sac is formed from?
Vitelline duct (omphalomesenteric duct)
What is the function of the vitelline duct?
connects the developing fetus’s intestine to the yolk sac during early development. Usually, this duct disappears before birth, but in about 2-3% of people, part of it remains as Meckel’s diverticulum.
What is the prevalence of Meckel’s diverticulum?
occurs in 2% of the population
is 2 feet from the ileocaecal valve
is 2 inches long
How does meckel’s diverticulum present?
It is usually asymptomatic but may present with:
1. Abdominal pain mimicking appendicitis
2. Rectal bleeding (Meckel’s diverticulum is the most common cause of painless massive GI bleeding requiring a transfusion in children between the ages of 1 and 2 years)
3. intestinal obstruction
4. Perforation
5. Diverticulitis
How is meckel’s diverticulum diagnosed?
Technetium-99m scan (Meckel’s scan): A special imaging test that can detect gastric tissue in the diverticulum.
CT scan or Ultrasound: May show signs of obstruction, inflammation, or perforation.
Endoscopy: May be used to visualize gastrointestinal bleeding sources.
What is the treatment for meckel’s diverticulum?
Symptomatic cases: Surgical removal of the diverticulum (known as a Meckel’s diverticulectomy) is typically the recommended treatment.
Surgery is commonly done if complications like bleeding, inflammation, or obstruction occur.
In rare cases, when surgery is not possible, conservative management may be attempted for complications like mild diverticulitis.
what are the rules of 2’s for meckel’s diverticulum?
2% of the population.
2 feet from the ileocecal valve.
2 types of tissue (gastric and pancreatic).
2 inches in length (on average).
Most common in individuals younger than 2 years old when complications arise.
What is meckels diverticulum often misdiagnosed as?
Meckel’s diverticulum is often misdiagnosed as appendicitis due to similar symptoms, such as lower-right abdominal pain.
