What is Meckel diverticulitis?

Meckel’s diverticulum is an outpouching or bulge in the lower part of the small intestine. The bulge is congenital (present at birth) and is a leftover of the umbilical cord. Meckel’s diverticulum is the most common congenital defect of the gastrointestinal tract.

What is the most common symptom of Meckel diverticulum?

Common symptoms of Meckel’s diverticulum are as follows:

  • Bloody stool.
  • Intestinal bleeding.
  • Tenderness around the belly button.
  • Abdominal cramps and pain.
  • Bowel obstruction which can cause bloating, pain, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting.
  • Swelling of the walls of the intestine.

Is Meckel diverticulum True or false?

It is a true diverticulum, consisting of all 3 layers of the bowel wall which are mucosa, submucosa and muscularis propria. As the vitelline duct is made up of pluripotent cell lining, Meckel’s diverticulum may harbor abnormal tissues, containing embryonic remnants of other tissue types.

What does a Meckel diverticulum look like?

The symptom seen most often with Meckel’s diverticulum is the passage of a large amount of dark red blood from the rectum. There may also be brick-colored, jelly-like stool present. Passing the blood is usually painless, although some children may have abdominal pain.

What is a Meckel’s scan?

A Meckel’s scan is an imaging test used to detect a Meckel’s diverticulum. This is a small, abnormal pocket that forms in the wall of your child’s small intestine. During normal development of the gastrointestinal tract, a small duct forms off an area of what will eventually become the small intestine.

Is diverticulitis a true diverticulum?

Diverticulitis – For unknown reasons, a diverticulum, usually in the left colon, can become inflamed (diverticulitis) and sometimes burst leaking bacteria-rich feces into the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

What does a Meckel diverticulum feel like?

In all ages, intestinal obstruction is manifested by cramping abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Acute Meckel diverticulitis is characterized by abdominal pain and tenderness typically localized below or adjacent to the umbilicus; it is often accompanied by vomiting and is similar to that of appendicitis.