Segmental mega-ileum presenting as anaemia

Abstract

Summary Three cases are described of an unusual malformation of the ileum at the site of the vitelline duct, which presented with chronic anaemia. In each case localized mega-ileum was associated with a simple, non-specific ulcer leading to chronic blood loss. Two cases were at the site of and associated with a Meckel's diverticulum, while the third case was at the same level and associated with a vascular abnormality probably of vitelline artery origin. This syndrome of adult segmental ileal dilatation associated with non-specific ulcer and chronic anaemia does not appear to have been described previously.