An atypical presentation of a mesenteric Meckel\u2019s diverticulum in a 7-year-old warmblood mare: case report

E Stas,J De Grauw,J Ensink,L Kranenburg,J Van Den Brand,H Brommer,P Witt

doi:10.1186/s12917-020-02631-w

Abstract

BackgroundMeckel’s diverticula are a rare cause of small intestinal strangulation, diagnosed at laparotomy or necropsy. This congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract originates from a remnant of the vitelline duct. In reported equine cases, they present as a full-thickness diverticulum on the antimesenteric border of the distal jejunum or proximal ileum.Case presentationOn laparotomy a Meckel’s diverticulum positioned at the mesenteric side was found to be the cause of small intestinal strangulation. This position is very uncommon and to the best knowledge of the authors there is no unambiguous description of another case.ConclusionsMeckel’s diverticula should be on the list of differential diagnoses in cases of small intestinal strangulation. As in humans, equine Meckel’s diverticula can have the standard antimesenteric as well as a more exceptional mesenteric location. This case adds to the series of anecdotal reports of anomalies with regard to Meckel’s diverticula in the horse.

Highlights

Meckel’s diverticula are a rare cause of small intestinal strangulation, diagnosed at laparotomy or necropsy
Equine Meckel’s diverticula can have the standard antimesenteric as well as a more exceptional mesenteric location. This case adds to the series of anecdotal reports of anomalies with regard to Meckel’s diverticula in the horse
Vitelline remnants can be an incidental finding during exploratory laparotomy, but they may as well lead to small intestinal strangulation for which surgical intervention is needed [1, 3, 8]

Summary

Conclusions

Meckel’s diverticula should be on the list of differential diagnoses in cases of small intestinal strangulation. Equine Meckel’s diverticula can have the standard antimesenteric as well as a more exceptional mesenteric location. This case adds to the series of anecdotal reports of anomalies with regard to Meckel’s diverticula in the horse

Background

Discussion and conclusions