S3488 Symptomatic Meckel’s Diverticulum in an Adult Presenting With Recurrent Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Abstract

Introduction: Meckel’s diverticulum is a gastrointestinal congenital malformation that results due to persistence of the vitelline duct, and is commonly diagnosed in children before the age of two. Rarely, symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum can present in adults, as in this case with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding. Case Description/Methods: A 51-year-old male with a history of iron deficiency anemia presented to the hospital with hematochezia associated with mild epigastric tenderness. He had a similar presentation one year ago with unrevealing EGD, colonoscopy, and video capsule endoscopy. Three months ago, repeat colonoscopy was notable for a single nonbleeding diverticulum in the terminal ileum and outpatient double balloon endoscopy was recommended, however not yet done due to current hospitalization. He presented with tachycardia and hypotension as well as a hemoglobin 10.6g/dL (previously 11.4g/dL few weeks prior) and mildly elevated BUN. CT abdomen and pelvis was negative for any active bleeding. Repeat EGD and colonoscopy was unremarkable except for blood-tinged fluid interspersed in the colon but again the source of bleeding remained obscure. Given the history of a previous finding of a terminal ileum diverticulum and persistence of hematochezia, a Meckel’s scan was performed revealing abnormal uptake in the right mid to lower abdomen suspicious for Meckel’s diverticulum containing ectopic gastric mucosa. Patient was taken to the operation room; a large Meckel’s diverticulum was noted at approximately two feet proximal to the ileo-cecal valve along with hemorrhagic inflammatory changes within the local mesentery. Patient underwent partial small bowel resection and appendectomy with pathology revealing a Meckel’s diverticulum of the ileum with gastric heterotopia. Patient had an uncomplicated recovery postoperatively along with resolution of hematochezia. Discussion: A finding of Meckel’s diverticulum is common in the pediatric population; however, it is a rare diagnosis in adults. This case highlights the importance of considering Meckel’s diverticulum for instances of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in patients who are still symptomatic despite an extensive workup. It is also important to notice that Meckel's diverticulum can be missed on video capsule study.