Work

Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum by an unusual foreign body: A case report and a review of literature

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Key Clinical Message: Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is rare, particularly by foreign body. High index of suspicion and thorough intraoperative assessment is needed in patients undergoing surgery for acute appendicitis, specifically when appendix appears normal. Abstract: Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. While often asymptomatic, it can present with several complications. Perforation due to foreign body ingestion is rare but can have severe consequences if late diagnosis occurs. A 13-year-old male, initially suspected of acute appendicitis, was eventually diagnosed with perforation of MD by a wood splinter-like foreign body after intraoperative assessment. Histological analysis revealed ectopic colonic tissue within the MD, a finding whose implications are not well understood, in contrast with the well-established complications associated with ectopic gastric and pancreatic tissues. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of MD, which can mimic acute appendicitis, emphasizing the need for high suspicion when faced with atypical clinical presentation such as foreign body-induced perforation. Although surgical resection of asymptomatic MD remains controversial, we recommend a case-specific approach based on risk factors to guide decision-making on surgical resection for asymptomatic MD.

Source: Clinical Case Reports

DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.9183

Authors: Sara Elizabeth Milla Salguero, Enrique Adalberto Medina, Alejandra Hause Murillo, Eduardo Smelin Perdomo Domínguez

Institutions: Universidad Católica de Honduras Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz, National Autonomous University of Honduras

Language: English

Topic: Gastrointestinal disorders and treatments

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,730