Case for Thought: Meckel's Diverticulum in the Adult Population

Cureus. 2022 Apr 26;14(4):e24494. doi: 10.7759/cureus.24494. eCollection 2022 Apr.

Abstract

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a well-known gastrointestinal (GI) congenital anomaly that is generally considered a disorder in neonates or a "clinically silent" disorder in adults. While prevalent in children, MD is not often considered as a differential in the etiology of GI bleeding in the adult population. We describe a case of MD presenting as a copious GI bleed in a 65-year-old male, which was found after numerous diagnostic studies. Our case report aims to challenge the idea that Meckel's diverticulum is solely a neonatal disorder, identify this vitelline duct remnant as a potential cause of GI pathology in the adult population, and discuss the detection and management of this congenital abnormality when found in the older population.

Keywords: gastrointestinal bleeding; gastrointestinal hemorrhage; gastrointestinal tract complications; incidental meckel's diverticulum; meckel's diverticulum; meckel's diverticulum in adults; vitelline duct remnant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports