Meckel’s diverticulitis: A frequently overlooked mimic of appendicitis

Abstract

Although Meckel’s diverticulum is the most prevalent congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract, it is often misdiagnosed due to its varied and overlapping clinical presentation, mimicking other common disorders such as appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, and peptic ulcer disease. It may remain completely asymptomatic. Ultrasonograms and computed tomography together can direct the treating surgeons toward diagnosis and planning appropriate surgery by reducing the complications of emergency laparotomy. Other more advanced imaging modalities, such as scintigraphy and invasive angiography, can be reserved for inconclusive cases. Knowing the imaging features of Meckel’s diverticulitis on ultrasonogram will decrease the mortality and morbidity related to misdiagnosed or undiagnosed cases of Meckel’s diverticulum, especially among patients in 2-tier or 3-tier cities as ultrasonography centers nowadays are readily available in remote areas.