2587 Never Too Old for Meckel's: A Unique Presentation of an Uncommon Source of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Adults

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Meckel's diverticulum is a common gastrointestinal congenital malformation, affecting approximately 2% of the population. Related complications such as bleeding commonly occurs in the pediatric age group; although, in adults it is often missed. We present a case of recurrent obscure-overt gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding secondary to a Meckel's diverticulum which remained elusive after multiple diagnostic studies. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: 30-year-old male with history of recurrent GI bleeding, presents to the outpatient GI clinic for further evaluation after being admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) 3 weeks prior with massive hematochezia requiring several blood transfusions for a drop-in hemoglobin from 14 gm/dL to <7 gm/dL. The patient had undergone endoscopy, colonoscopy, and video capsule endoscopy (VCE) three years prior for similar symptoms without an identifiable source. A nuclear tagged red blood cell scan was performed showing bleeding in the proximal colon. CT angiography following showed contrast extravasation in the distal jejunum and ileum which was treated with gel foam. The patient had no further episodes of hematochezia and was discharged. After the clinic visit, the patient underwent a Meckel's scan which did not show ectopic gastric mucosa but revealed colonic bleeding proximal to the hepatic flexure. Ileocolonoscopy was normal. Subsequent VCE showed abnormal mucosa in the distal small bowel. He finally underwent a retrograde balloon enteroscopy which revealed a distal small bowel diverticulum with a single adjacent, nonbleeding ulcer (Figure 1). Biopsies of the ulcer showed gastric foveolar metaplasia. Based on the findings, he was referred for a small bowel resection which revealed a jejunal Meckel's diverticulum with gastric oxyntic heterotopia on histology (Figures 2 and 3). DISCUSSION: This case highlights the potential morbidity and possible mortality of Meckel's diverticulum as a source of lower GI bleeding. Recent studies have recommended against prophylactic surgical resection in the absence of certain risk factors including age less than 40, male gender, and macroscopic mucosal alteration. Given this patient's significant hematochezia, transfusion requirements, and gross peri-diverticular ulceration, we opted for small bowel resection. Meckel's diverticulum should always be included in the differential for occult or overt GI bleeding, especially in young patients when no other sources of bleeding are readily identifiable.