MECKEL'S DIVERTICULUM

Abstract

The case reported in this paper is of interest not only because it appears to be unique but also because it emphasizes two aspects of Meckel's diverticulum which have received some attention but are not yet sufficiently appreciated or emphasized. These considerations are, first, that Meckel's diverticulum rather frequently contains heterotopic alimentary tissue, and second, that the diverticulum may manifest itself clinically by bleeding, especially if it contains heterotopic gastric tissue, although this is not the only cause of bleeding. An analysis of the reported cases of bleeding Meckel's diverticulum with a discussion of the more probable causes of the hemorrhage will be given subsequently. REPORT OF CASE1 History. —A boy, aged 16, American born, a high school student, had been in good health up to the onset of the illness to be described, with the exception of mild but persistent constipation associated with occasional vague, transitory pain in