Meckel’s Diverticulum, A Unique Presentation in the Neonate

Abstract

Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is the most prevalent gastrointestinal congenital malformation, occurring in 2% to 4% of all live births. Typical symptoms of MD include intestinal bleeding and bowel obstruction, but MD can also present with many atypical symptoms of varying severity, posing a diagnostic challenge with severe complications if left untreated. Neonates presenting with symptomatic MD are uncommon. In this report, we describe a neonatal case of MD in which the patient presented with atypical symptoms including distended abdomen and constipation mimick necrotizing enterocolitis. This case emphasizes the importance of clinically correlating a provisional diagnosis while maintaining a broad differential, including uncommon conditions in this age group such as MD.