GANGRENOUS MECKEL'S DIVERTICULUM PERFORATED BY A TOMATO PEEL

Abstract

This case is not presented as propaganda against the eating of tomatoes but merely to emphasize a possible surprise that one may encounter in a case diagnosed as acute appendicitis. History. —J. L., a white man, aged 41, employed as the supervisor of a warehouse, seen by Dr. Bernhard, Aug. 18, 1932, complained of pain in the abdomen to the right of the umbilicus. The pain had started and remained localized in that spot. The patient's appetite was good and his bowel movements were regular. There had been no nausea or vomiting. Tomatoes had been eaten that morning, and pain had begun toward evening. He had never been in any accidents and had never under-gone an operation. He had had mumps and measles in childhood, and a left inguinal hernia had been present for about twenty years. The patient's mother had died at the age of 50 of pleurisy. His