Abstract

MACHADO, Cristian et al. Meckel’s diverticulitis, an uncommon cause of acute abdomen. Medicina (B. Aires) [online]. 2023, vol.83, n.4, pp.631-634. ISSN 0025-7680.

Meckel’s diverticulum corresponds to the aberrant invo lution of the omphalo-mesenteric canal or vitelline duct, which is located at the level of the antimesenteric border of the terminal ileum. It is the most common structural anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, it is almost always asymptomatic and its diagnosis is usually incidental, how ever the complication with diverticulitis is an unusual con dition. We describe the case of a 65-year-oldman, who was admitted from another institution with a diagnosis of acute abdomen. On physical examination, he presented signs of peritoneal irritation with evidence of leukocytosis and neutrophilia in the admission blood count. Computerized tomography of the abdomen with intra venous contrast was performed, which was interpreted as complicated Meckel’s diverticulitis, being corroborated during the surgical act and confirmed by pathological anatomy. Meckel’s diverticulitis is a rare entity, however it is important to recognize it within the differential diagnoses of acute abdomen, which will allow prompt intervention and a favorable outcome.

Keywords : Meckel diverticulum; Diverticulitis; Acute abdomen; Computerized tomography.

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