Meckel's Diverticulum In Children Research Articles

Application of small bowel capsule endoscopy in children with Meckel's diverticulum.

Meckel diverticulum (MD) is an important cause of gastrointestinal bleeding in children. Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is a first-line examination method applied to patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, but there are few studies on its application in children with MD. This article aims to provide evidence in favor of the auxiliary diagnosis of MD in children by analyzing its characteristics using SBCE. We retrospectively collected the clinical data of patients with suspected MD. A total of 58 children were included in this study. All 58 children presented overt gastrointestinal bleeding (bloody stool or melena). Capsule endoscopy identified protruding lesions in 2 cases, double-lumen changes in 30 cases (all considered as MD), vascular lesions in 7 cases, intestinal mucosal inflammatory lesions in 3 cases, ulcers or erosion in 3 cases, and no obvious abnormalities in SBCE in 12 cases. Both SBCE and technetium-99 scans were performed for 24 cases, 22 of which were diagnosed MD by their combined results, giving a diagnostic coincidence rate of 91.7%. Eight cases were highly suspected as MD but were negative for the technetium-99 scan and positive for SBCE. SBCE has high accuracy in the diagnosis of MD in children, especially when performed in combination with a technetium-99 scan, which can greatly improve the diagnostic rate of MD in children.

Value of sonographic pseudogestational sac sign in the diagnosis of Meckel diverticulum in children presenting with bleeding per rectum: a 15-year prospective study

BackgroundMeckel diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal bleeding is the most common complication of Meckel diverticulum in the paediatric population; the bleeding mostly occurs in the first 2 years of life. Because the diverticulum is seldom seen in clinical practice, misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are not uncommon. CT and nuclear studies are the most used diagnostic tools in clinical practice. However, radiation and sensitivity concerns remain an issue. Ultrasound has been suggested as an alternative diagnostic tool in diagnosing Meckel diverticulum with mixed results. The aim of our study is to assess the value of using a new sonographic sign, the pseudogestational sac sign in diagnosing Meckel diverticulum in children presenting with bleeding per rectum. Ultrasound was performed for all children. Results were correlated with nuclear studies, histopathology and clinical follow-up findings.ResultsSeventy-three children were included in our study. The pseudogestational sac sign was present in 46 (63%) and absent in 27 (37%) cases. Forty-five children were ultimately diagnosed as Meckel diverticulum. The age ranged from 2 months to 9 years with a mean of 2.3 years. The boy-to-girl ratio was 4.6:1 with 60% of children presenting during their first 2 years of life. The ultrasound performance using the pseudogestational sac sign revealed a sensitivity of 91.1%, specificity of 82.1%, positive predictive value of 89.1%, negative predictive value of 85.2%, positive likelihood ratio of 5.1, negative likelihood ratio of 0.11 and accuracy of 87.7%.ConclusionThe sonographic pseudogestational sac sign is a reliable diagnostic tool for diagnosing Meckel diverticulum in children presenting with bleeding per rectum. The sonographic diagnosis of Meckel diverticulum complies with the international standards of “Image Gently”.

Clinical manifestations of Meckel Diverticulum in children: a review of 11-years

Clinical manifestations of Meckel Diverticulum in children: a review of 11-years

Laparoscopic diverticulectomy or laparoscopic-assisted resection of symptomatic Meckel diverticulum in children? A systematic review.

Recent reports have recommended laparoscopic diverticulectomy for symptomatic Meckel diverticulum (MD) rather than laparoscopic-assisted extracorporeal resection. This technique may risk leaving residual ectopic mucosa leading to complications. This systematic review attempts to quantify the relative risks of both approaches. A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they reported data on the laparoscopic management of symptomatic MD in children. Eleven reports were identified, all of which were institutional retrospective studies. Pooled outcome data on 248 children showed no statistically significant difference in complications between laparoscopic diverticulectomy (n = 133) and laparoscopic-assisted segmental resection (n = 115) (3% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.39). One patient from the diverticulectomy group re-presented with recurrent bleeding necessitating segmental small bowel resection. Conclusions are limited by the number of patients and variable follow up. Short, wide MD with a height:base ratio of < 2; diverticula with thickening or ischemia at the base and those complicated by volvulus or small bowel obstruction are probably best treated by laparoscopic-assisted extracorporeal resection. For other symptomatic diverticula laparoscopic diverticulectomy is a reasonable approachwith a less than 1% risk of leaving residual ectopic gastric mucosa.

Diagnostic accuracy of high-frequency ultrasound in bleeding Meckel diverticulum in children.

Meckel diverticulum is one of the most important causes of small bowel bleeding in children. Reports suggest that ultrasonography can be used as an alternative examination for children with negative radionuclide scanning results or children with atypical clinical manifestations. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of high-frequency ultrasound in children with bleeding Meckel diverticulum. We collected the data of children who were admitted to our hospital for the main symptom of bloody stool from February 2006 to December 2017. Ultrasonography was performed in all children. The final diagnosis was confirmed by pathological analysis or clinical follow-up observation. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography according to the final diagnosis. A total of 784 eligible children were enrolled in the study. Presenting symptoms or findings included black and red stool in 528 (67.3%), bright red stool in 51 (6.5%) and obscure or occult bloody stool in 205 (26.1%). Anemia was diagnosed in 489 (62.4%). Ultrasonography diagnosed Meckel diverticulum with a sensitivity of 93.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 91.0-95.6%) and a specificity of 98.1% (95% CI 95.9-99.3%). High-frequency ultrasound diagnosis of Meckel diverticulum in children has high sensitivity and specificity.

Clinical Effect of Single-Site Laparoscopy in the Treatment of Meckel&amp;apos;s Diverticulum in Children

Purpose: To observe the clinical effect of laparoscopic surgery on Meckel's diverticulum in children with (MD). Method: The clinical data of 20 children were analyzed retrospectively. All children were treated with laparoscopic surgery at single part of the umbilical cord, and the operation, clinical effects and postoperative complications were observed. Result: All the 20 children completed the operation successfully, and the operation time was 50. 5%. 2 ±5. 4) there were no complications such as abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, bleeding, intestinal adhesion obstruction, intestinal stricture and intestinal anastomotic fistula during and after min,. During the follow-up of 1 ~ 26 months, all the children ate and defecated normally and there was no recurrence. Conclusion: Umbilical laparoscopy is effective in the treatment of pediatric MD with less trauma, simple operation, short operation time and quick recovery after operation. Background Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital developmental malformation of the gastrointestinal tract, which is a mesenteric malformation caused by embryonic yolk tube degeneration. The incidence in the population is 2.0%, most patients have no clinical symptoms, occasionally found in autopsy, laparotomy, clinical diagnosis is more difficult. The clinical manifestations of its complications are easy to be confused with other diseases such as intussusception, colonic polyps, necrotizing enteritis and acute appendicitis perforation. Date sources Based on the progress in the treatment of Meckel's diverticulum in children at home and abroad, the clinical data of 20 children with Meckel's diverticulum treated in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively to observe the clinical effect of laparoscopy-assisted operation in the treatment of Meckel's diverticulum in children. Results All the 20 children completed the operation successfully, and the operation time was 50. 5%. 2 ±5. 4) there were no complications such as abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, bleeding, intestinal adhesion obstruction, intestinal stricture and intestinal anastomotic fistula during and after min,. During the follow-up of 1 ~ 26 months, all the children ate and defecated normally and there was no recurrence. Conclusions Surgical resection is the first choice for symptomatic Meckel diverticulum in children, and laparoscopic surgery is the first choice. The operative method of laparoscopic treatment of Meckel diverticulum in children with single part of umbilical cord has the advantages of less trauma, simple operation, short operation time and quick recovery after operation, and the operative effect is good.

Clinical characteristics of Meckel diverticulum in children: A retrospective review of a 15-year single-center experience.

Meckel diverticulum is the most prevalent congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract in children. The aim of this study was to review and analyze clinical data on the diagnosis and management of Meckel diverticulum in pediatric patients. The records of 102 pediatric patients (<14 years old) who underwent surgery for Meckel diverticulum at our institute between 2001 and 2015 were reviewed. Clinical, imaging, laboratory, surgical, and pathological data were recorded. The series comprised 65 males and 37 females with a median age of 5.6 years. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding was the most frequently identified clinical manifestation of Meckel diverticulum, and this manifestation was observed in 41 patients. Intussusception secondary to Meckel diverticulum was identified in 32 patients. Twelve patients presented clinical features of peritonitis; of these patients, 8 had perforated Meckel diverticulum and 4 had Meckel diverticulitis. In 10 patients, Meckel diverticulum was incidentally diagnosed during other surgeries, including appendectomy and neonatal enterostomy. Seven patients were diagnosed with intestinal obstruction. Technetium-99m pertechnetate imaging offered high diagnostic yield. Open surgery was performed on 59 patients, while a laparoscopic approach was employed in 35 patients. The remaining 8 patients did not undergo resection of the Meckel diverticulum. Histology revealed ectopic gastric mucosa in 42 patients (44.7%), ectopic pancreatic tissue in 35 patients (37.2%), mucosa of the small intestine in 15 patients (16.0%), and both gastric and pancreatic ectopic tissue in 2 patients (2.1%). All patients recovered uneventfully except 2 patients in whom an intestinal adhesion obstruction was identified after discharge. Meckel diverticulum had various clinical manifestations in children. Technetium-99m pertechnetate imaging may be useful for diagnosing Meckel diverticulum. Surgical excision of the Meckel diverticulum may be safe and effective in symptomatic patients, and relatively better outcomes can be achieved using this approach.

Optimizing surgical resection of the bleeding Meckel diverticulum in children

PurposeMeckel diverticula containing gastric heterotopia predispose to local hyperacidity, mucosal ulceration, and gastrointestinal bleeding in children. Eradication of acid-producing oxyntic cells is performed by either of two surgical methods: segmental enterectomy including the diverticulum or diverticulectomy only. MethodsRetrospective review of all children having surgical resection of a Meckel diverticulum at a tertiary-referral children's hospital from 2002 to 2016 was performed. Demographic data, surgical method, pathological specimens, and outcomes were evaluated. Results102 children underwent surgical resection of a Meckel diverticulum during the study period. 27 (26.5%) children presented with bleeding, of which 16 (59%) had diverticulectomy only, and 11 (41%) had segmental ileal resection. All Meckel diverticula in children presenting with bleeding contained gastric heterotopia, and resection margins were free of gastric mucosa. Histologically, 19 specimens showed microscopic features of ulceration, on average 2.95mm (SD 4.49) from the nearest gastric mucosa (range: 0–16mm). Mean length of hospitalization after ileal resection was 4.0days (SD 1.2) compared to 1.6days (SD 0.9) for diverticulectomy only (p<0.001), with no re-bleeding occurrences. ConclusionIn the operative management of children having a bleeding Meckel diverticulum, diverticulectomy-only completely eradicates gastric heterotopia without increased risk of continued bleeding or complications and significantly shortens hospitalization. Level of evidenceTreatment Study: Level III.

Meckel's diverticulum in children: Our 12-year experience.

Background:Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the one of the most common congenital malformation of gastrointestinal tract and has varied clinical presentations. We are presenting here our 12-year experiences with MD in children at tertiary care hospital in North India. It highlights the fact that isolated gangrene of MD can occur, and it is associated with increased morbidity.Materials and Methods:This retrospective study is conducted by analysing the medical records of the patients who were operated for MD in the last 12 years in paediatric surgery department at our hospital.Results:Sixty-five patients were operated for MD in study period; in this 52 were males and 13 were females with mean age of presentation 3.2 years. The most common presentation was intestinal obstruction seen in 86.1% (56 cases). Intestinal haemorrhage was seen in 4.6% (3 cases) and diverticulitis in 3% (2 cases). Perforation of the gut with peritonitis was present in 6.1% (four cases). Cause of obstruction was intussusception in 21.4% (12 cases), fibrous band connected to umbilicus in 17.8% (10 cases), volvulus in 17.8% (10 cases), kinking in 16.0% (9 cases), knotting in 14.2% (8 cases) and herniation of gut below in 12.5% (7 cases). Isolated gangrene of MD was present in ten cases with intestinal obstruction. The ectopic gastric mucosa was seen in three and pancreatic mucosa in two cases. Mortality and morbidity during the study were one and three cases, respectively.Conclusion:MD may remain clinically silent for lifetime, or it may have life-threatening complications. In our series, intestinal obstruction and not the haemorrhage was the most common presentation. Isolated gangrene of MD with obstruction was present in significant numbers, which we failed to find in literature.

Meckel diverticulum in children: Evaluation of macroscopic appearance for guidance in subsequent surgery

BackgroundThe treatment of incidentally encountered asymptomatic Meckel diverticulum (MD) is controversial. We evaluated whether the macroscopic appearance correlates with clinical features, histopathological findings, future complications, and management decisions. MethodsPatients who underwent MD resection at a single institution from 2000 to 2012 were retrospectively analyzed in terms of age, sex, clinical features, laboratory data, perioperative findings (diverticulum length, diameter, depth, thickening, and height-to diameter ratio [HDR]), pathology, and postoperative follow-up. ResultsFifty children were enrolled. Sixteen percent of the resected MDs were found incidentally. Of 42 complicated MDs, 17 (40%) were long (HDR ≥2), 14 (33%) were thickened, and 29 (70%) exhibited base widening. Histopathologically, ectopic mucosa was found in 32 (64%) of all MDs and in 5 (62%) of incidentally removed MDs. There was no statistical difference between the macroscopic appearance and clinical signs, sex, or presence of ectopic tissue based on palpation. ConclusionThe macroscopic appearance of MD does not indicate the presence or absence of HGM and cannot be used to guide subsequent surgery. Additionally, 40% of symptomatic patients in our study had life-threatening complications requiring prompt fluid resuscitation. We consider that incidentally detected MD should be removed regardless of its macroscopic appearance.

Diagnosis and minimally invasive surgical treatment of bleeding Meckel's diverticulum in children using double-balloon enteroscopy

Background/PurposeTo demonstrate the diagnosis of bleeding Meckel's diverticulum (MD) using double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and to highlight the utility of this technique for guidance in minimally invasive surgery. Materials and MethodsFrom August 2011 to September 2014, 21 pediatric patients with bloody diarrhea underwent transanal DBE examinations. When a lesion such as MD or a tumor was detected, the enteroscopic light source was brought as close to the umbilicus as possible. A small incision was made at the umbilicus, and the lesion indicated by the enteroscopic light source was pulled out of the umbilicus for lesion removal and intestinal anastomosis. If no lesion was detected, the DBE exam was ended after the scope had been advanced at least 200cm into the ileum. All patients were followed closely after discharge. ResultsFourteen children were diagnosed with MD and underwent successful removal via an umbilical incision using enteroscopic light guidance; a standard resection was then performed. Two patients were diagnosed with lymphoma and successfully treated using the same method. Five patients had negative enteroscopic findings. Of these, a 4-year-old boy had recurrent bloody diarrhea and a negative laparoscopic evaluation after 7months. In 4 patients, bloody diarrhea did not recur during follow-up. ConclusionsDBE is an ideal tool for the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of bleeding MD in children.

Laparoscopy and complicated meckel diverticulum in children.

Background and Objectives:Meckel diverticulum can present with a variety of complications but is often found incidentally during other surgical procedures. The role of laparoscopy in the management of Meckel diverticulum is established. We reviewed our experience with complicated cases of Meckel diverticulum in children managed with laparoscopy.Methods:A 15-year retrospective chart review revealed 14 cases of complicated Meckel diverticulum managed with laparoscopy. Incidentally found Meckel diverticulum and cases done by laparotomy were excluded. Ages varied from 2 years to 16 years old. There were 10 males and four females. Eight cases had small bowel obstruction; of those, three had extensive intestinal gangrene. Four cases had significant rectal bleeding, three had acute diverticulitis, and two had intussusception caused by the diverticulum.Results:Eleven cases were treated with laparoscopic Meckel diverticulectomy and three with laparoscopic-assisted bowel resection because of extensive gangrene of the intestine. Two of the three cases with significant intestinal gangrene returned several weeks later with small bowel obstruction secondary to adhesions. They were successfully managed with laparoscopic lysis of adhesions. There were no other complications.Conclusions:Laparoscopy is safe and effective in the management of complicated Meckel diverticulum in children. Most cases can be managed with simple diverticulectomy. Laparoscopy is useful when the diagnosis is uncertain. When extensive gangrene is present, laparoscopy can help to mobilize the intestine and evaluate the degree of damage, irrigate and cleanse the peritoneal cavity, and minimize the incision necessary to accomplish the bowel resection.

Multimodality imaging manifestations of the Meckel diverticulum in children

Meckel diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, occurring in approximately 2% of the general population. The lifetime complication rate from a Meckel diverticulum is 0.5%-2%. The most common complications include bleeding, obstruction, inflammation and perforation. However, the clinical manifestations of a Meckel diverticulum are frequently nonspecific. As a result, complications secondary to Meckel diverticulitis can mimic a variety of more common intra-abdominal processes, such as appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease and any other cause of small bowel inflammation or obstruction. The radiologist should be aware of potential manifestations of the disease on different imaging modalities. In this pictorial essay, we illustrate several complications related to the Meckel diverticulum, in multiple modalities.

Clinical and diagnostic relevance of Meckel’s diverticulum in children

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) has varied clinical manifestations and is a diagnostic challenge for pediatricians. This study investigates the clinical and diagnostic characteristics of MD in children with different presentations. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with MD from 1988 to 2008. The data including the age, sex, clinical features, laboratory data, sensitivity of diagnostic methods, and pathological finding were recorded. These patients were classified into three groups: diverticulitis, intestinal obstruction, and intestinal bleeding. A total of 47 children (35 boys and 12 girls) with a median age of 5.6 years were enrolled and categorized as follows: diverticulitis (n = 12), obstruction (n = 12), bleeding (n = 21), and two diagnosed incidentally. Patients with intestinal obstruction were significantly younger than those with bleeding (3.7, 95% CI, 1.6-5.7 vs. 6.6, 95% CI, 4.5-8.7, P = 0.04). In the obstruction group, intussusception was found in eight of 12 patients, of whom 62.5% were aged older than 3 years. Heterotopic tissues were found in 46.3% of surgical specimens and more frequently existed in patients with bleeding than those with diverticulitis (P = 0.02) and obstruction (P = 0.047). Tc-99m scans yielded a diagnostic sensitivity of about 65% in bleeding patients. Repeated Tc-99m scans and red blood cell (RBC) scans can be good supplementary tools in Tc-99m scan-negative bleeding patients. In conclusion, manifestations of childhood MD are variable and may depend on the presence of heterotopic tissues and the patients' age. Tc-99m scans supplemented with RBC scans are appropriate to diagnose childhood MD with bleeding.

Small Bowel MRI Diagnosis of Meckelʼs Diverticulum

Purpose: Meckel's diverticulum (MD), occurring in 2% of the population, is the most common congenital abnormality of the GI tract. Small bowel MRI (SBMRI) is an emerging imaging modality that allows for transmural evaluation without ionizing radiation. We present a case of MD diagnosed by SBMRI. Methods: Case. Results: 17 year old man admitted with lower abdominal pain and maroon stools for the past evening. The patient reported a history of anemia but denied any previous bleeding. Physical examination revealed orthostatic hypotension, benign abdomen and red blood in rectal vault without hemorrhoids or fissures. Hemoglobin was 5.1 Gm/dl with iron deficiency, MCV-62fL and ferritin <15 nG/ml. Following volume resuscitation and blood transfusion- Tc-99m pertechnetate and bleeding scans were negative. EGD was normal. Colonoscopy displayed apthous ulcers in the ascending colon and terminal ileum with sparing of the cecum. Biopsy demonstrated changes consistent with Crohn's disease (CD). SBMRI, performed to evaluate extent of CD involvement, revealed a 6.7 cm diverticulum arising from the anti-mesenteric border of the distal small bowel (Figure).FigureConclusion: MD, a remnant of the omphalomesenteric duct, is typically diagnosed before age ten due to complicatons. Hemorrhage is the most common presentation of MD in children. Adults typically present with obstruction or diverticulitis. The lifetime risk of developing complications from MD is cited as 6%, and controversy exists whether this risk decreases with advancing age. Giant MD are greater than 6 cm in diameter. MD are composed of all layers of the ileal wall and heterotopic tissue is present in half of resected specimens. Gastric mucosa (GM) is found in 50% and panctreatic tissue (PT) in 5–16% of resected specimens. Acidic secretions from heterotopic GM and alkaline secretions from heterotopic PT result in mucosal ulceration. Tc-99m pertechnetate scan with a sensitivity of 75% is the best imaging modality for diagnosis. SBMRI has been advocated for evaluation of submucosal and serosal-mesenteric involvement of CD. Interestingly, a higher prevealence of MD in CD patients has been shown. SBMRI is a valuable addition in the diagnostic armamentarium for MD.

Diagnosing bleeding Meckel diverticulum in children

Diagnosing bleeding Meckel diverticulum in children

The value of sonography, CT and air enema for detection of complicated Meckel diverticulum in children with nonspecific clinical presentation.

Complicated Meckel diverticulum (MD) in children does not always present with painless rectal bleeding and its presentation can then produce a difficult diagnostic dilemma. In this clinical setting, sonography (US), CT or even air enema may be the first modality chosen to evaluate these children rather than the radionuclide Meckel scan (RNMS). To assess the value of US, CT and air enema for detection of complicated MD. Review of clinical, imaging, surgical and pathological findings in 64 children (55 males, 9 females) aged 4 days -14 years (mean = 3.7 years) with MD seen during an 8-year period, 1990-1997. (a) In 33 patients with rectal bleeding, MD was detected on RNMS in 32. Ten of these 32 had other imaging studies, all of which were negative. (b) The other 31 patients, with varied clinical presentations, did not undergo RNMS. In these 31 and the 1 with a negative RNMS, 14 (44 %) had imaging features highly suggestive for the diagnosis of MD on US in all 14, on CT in 1, and on air enema in 3. The radiological spectrum of the inflamed, hemorrhagic MD is illustrated. The inflamed, hemorrhagic and the inverted, intussuscepted MD have a spectrum of features recognizable on US, CT and air enema. Some of these appearances are specific, others are not. Knowledge of and recognition of these features will facilitate detection of complicated MD in larger numbers of children presenting with symptoms other than the classic history of painless rectal bleeding and also in those with normal RNMS.