Meckel diverticulum is a congenital defect presenting as ectopic gastric mucosa, causing rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. It is diagnosed with a technetium-99m pertechnetate scan and treated with surgery.
Pathophysiology
- Persistent vitelline (omphalomesenteric) duct
- Ectopic gastric mucosa results in intestinal ulceration/ bleeding
Contextual Factors
- 2 years of age or younger
Clinical Manifestation
- Painless rectal bleeding w/ or w/o iron deficiency anemia
- Acute abdominal pain
Rule of 2s
- Presents by age 2
- < 2 inches long
- Located within 2 feet of ileocecal valve
Complications
- Intussusception
- Diverticulitis
- Bowel obstruction or perforation
Diagnosis
- Technetium-99m pertechnetate (Meckel) scan to detect gastric mucosa
Treatment
- Surgical resection