View source for Meckel's diverticulum

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==Overview==
{{Infobox_Disease |
  Name           = {{PAGENAME}} |
  Image          = Diverticule de Meckel.jpg |
  Caption        = Meckel's diverticulum |
  DiseasesDB     = 7903 |
  ICD10          = {{ICD10|C|17|3|c|15}}, {{ICD10|Q|43|0|q|38}} |
  ICD9           = {{ICD9|152.3}}, {{ICD9|751.0}} |
  ICDO           = |
  OMIM           = 155140 |
  MedlinePlus    = |
  eMedicineSubj  = med |
  eMedicineTopic = 2797 |
  eMedicine_mult = {{eMedicine2|ped|1389}}  {{eMedicine2|rad|425}} |
  MeshID         = D008467 |
}}
{{SI}}
A '''Meckel's diverticulum''', a true [[congenital]] [[diverticulum]], is a small bulge in the small intestine present at birth. It is a [[vestigial]] remnant of the [[omphalomesenteric duct]] (also called the vitelline duct), and is the most frequent malformation of the [[gastrointestinal tract]]. It is present in approximately 2% of the population, with males more frequently experiencing symptoms. 

It is named after [[Johann Friedrich Meckel]], who first described this type of diverticulum in 1809.<ref>{{WhoNamedIt|synd|2050}}</ref><ref>J. F. Meckel. Über die Divertikel am Darmkanal. Archiv für die Physiologie, Halle, 1809, 9: 421-453.</ref>

==Presentation==
Meckel's diverticulum is located in the distal [[ileum]], usually within about 60-100 cm of the [[ileocecal valve]]. It is typically 3-5 cm long, runs antimesenterically and has its own blood supply. It's left over from the umbilical cord and intestines from our embryonic life.

A memory aid is the rule of 2's: '''2%'''  (of the population) - '''2''' feet (from the ileocecal valve) - '''2''' inches (in length) - '''2%''' are symptomatic, there are '''2''' types of common ectopic tissue (gastric and pancreatic), the most common age at clinical presentation is '''2''', and males are '''2 times''' as likely to be affected.

It can also be present as an indirect hernia, where it is known as  a "'''Hernia of Littre'''." Furthermore, it can be attached to the umbilical region by the vitelline ligament, with the possibility of vitelline cysts, or even a patent vitelline canal forming a vitelline fistula when the umbilical cord is cut. Torsions of intestine around the intestinal stalk may also occur, leading to obstruction, [[ischemia]], and [[necrosis]].

==Symptoms==
Approximately 98% of people afflicted with Meckel's diverticulum are [[asymptomatic]]. If symptoms do occur, they typically appear before the age of two.  

The most common presenting symptom is painless [[rectal bleeding]], followed by [[intestinal obstruction]], [[volvulus]] and [[intussusception (medical disorder)|intussusception]]. Occasionally, Meckel's diverticulitis may present with all the features of [[acute appendicitis]].  Also, severe pain in the upper abdomen is experienced by the patient along with bloating of the stomach region.  At times, the symptoms are so painful such that they may cause sleepless nights with extreme pain in the abdominal area.

==Diagnosis==
A [[technetium-99m]] (99mTc) pertechnetate scan is the investigation of choice to diagnose Meckel's diverticula. This scan detects [[gastric mucosa]]; since approximately 50% of symptomatic Meckel's diverticula have ectopic gastric ([[stomach]]) cells contained within them, this is displayed as a spot on the scan distant from the stomach itself. Patients with these misplaced gastric cells may experience peptic ulcers as a consequence. Other tests such as [[colonoscopy]] and screenings for [[bleeding disorder]]s should be performed, and [[angiography]] can assist in determining the location and severity of bleeding.

==Treatment==
Treatment is surgical, consisting of a [[resection]] of the affected portion of the bowel.



==References==
<references/>

{{SIB}}
{{Congenital malformations and deformations of digestive system}}

[[Category:Congenital disorders]]
[[Category:Digestive system]]
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]

[[de:Meckel-Divertikel]]
[[es:Divertículo de Meckel]]
[[fr:Diverticule de Meckel]]
[[it:Diverticolo di Meckel]]
[[pl:Uchyłek Meckela]]
[[pt:Divertículo de Meckel]]

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