Meckel's Diverticulum

Question 1

What is Meckel’s diverticulum?

Answer 1

Vestigial remnant of the vitellointestinal duct (remnants of gastro/pancreatic tissue)

Question 2

Where is Meckel’s diverticulum located?

Answer 2

Distal ileum

Question 3

What is a diverticulum?

Answer 3

Abnormal sac/pouch formed at a weak point in the wall of the alimentary tract

Question 4

What are the possible pathological effects of Meckel’s diverticulum?

Answer 4

Gastric acid secretion --> GI pain/pancreatic tissue
Haemmorhage
Intestinal obstruction
Perforation
Umbilical anaomalies
Neoplasm (v. rare)

Question 5

What is the rule of 2?

Answer 5

2% of population
-2% symptomatic
2 inches long
2 ft from iliocaecal valve
Present before 2 years

Question 6

How does Meckel’s Diverticulum present?

Answer 6

Asymptomatic/mimic other conditions

• caecal volvulus (if tethered to umbilicus)
• intussusception (often gangrenous by operation)
• appendicitis (diverticulum inflamed, presents as appendicitis)
• peptic ulceration (pain around umbilicus, related to mealtimes

Question 7

What imaging modality can be used to show the extent of the diverticulum?

Answer 7

Technetium scan (parietal cells take up 99Tc)
CT