Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) in adults is extremely rare. The prevalence of MD in the entire population ranges from 0.3%–-2.9% with a lifetime incidence of symptoms at 4.2%. The common presentations of symptomatic MD are obstruction, gastrointestinal (GI) bleed, and inflammation; these complications are significantly more frequent in childhood. This case report highlights direct observation by traditional colonoscopy of small bowel MD as a lead point of intussusception in an adult. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 25-year-old male presented to the hospital with acute on chronic periumbilical abdominal pain worsening over several days. He reported intermittent watery diarrhea and an episode of hematochezia. He was also hospitalized earlier in the year for bowel obstruction of unknown etiology, but found to have intussusception status-post diagnostic laparotomy and partial ileal resection. His vital signs were stable and the physical exam revealed peri-umbilical tenderness. Laboratory data resulted with fecal calprotectin 517.7 mg/kg, hemoglobin 10.2 g/DL, WBC 11.6 × 10exp9/L, ESR 33 mm/h, CRP 78.51 mg/L, and a negative Clostridium difficile PCR test. A CT abdomen/pelvis revealed mild thickening and mucosal hyperenhancement of the terminal ileum. A colonoscopy was performed due to concern for GI bleed and inflammatory bowel disease. On colonoscopy, the colon was normal, but a partially obstructing, mobile, villous mass was noted in the ileum. Subsequently, an exploratory laparotomy found recurrent small bowel intussusception. The ileal mass was resected and pathology showed ectopic gastric and pancreatic tissue confirming MD. An ulcer and acute inflammation were noted on the mass. His follow-up course was unremarkable and the patient’s symptoms have since improved. DISCUSSION: The symptoms of MD are significantly more common in other etiologies. In addition, symptomatic MD is rarely diagnosed in adulthood which makes the diagnosis of MD in adults a challenge. MD is often diagnosed by imaging modalities or direct observation during surgery. Balloon-assisted enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy are other diagnostic measures being explored. Endoscopy is indicated in patients presenting with GI bleed and was completed in this patient. A large portion of this patient’s distal ileum was previously resected and his altered anatomy allowed the direct observation of MD by colonoscopy. This case highlights a unique endoscopic finding that endoscopists should be aware as the etiology for GI bleed.

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