Meckel's diverticulum overview

Meckel's diverticulum Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Meckel's Diverticulum from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Meckel's diverticulum overview On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Meckel's diverticulum overview All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Meckel's diverticulum overview
CDC on Meckel's diverticulum overview
Meckel's diverticulum overview in the news
Blogs on Meckel's diverticulum overview
Directions to Hospitals Treating Meckel's diverticulum
Risk calculators and risk factors for Meckel's diverticulum overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

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.

Classification

It is named after Johann Friedrich Meckel, who first described this type of diverticulum in 1809.