Concurrent Appendicitis and Meckel’s Diverticulitis Presenting With Small Bowel Obstruction in an Adult: A Case Report

TL;DR

A 33-year-old woman had both appendicitis and Meckel’s diverticulitis causing bowel obstruction, highlighting the need for thorough diagnosis.

Contribution

This case report highlights the rare co-occurrence of appendicitis and Meckel’s diverticulitis in an adult.

Findings

The patient had acute appendicitis and Meckel’s diverticulitis simultaneously.

Surgical intervention resolved both conditions successfully.

The case underscores the importance of comprehensive differential diagnosis in abdominal emergencies.

Abstract

We present a case of multiple abdominal pathologies occurring simultaneously, which emphasizes the importance of keeping a broad differential and evaluating each diagnosis. A 33-year-old female presented with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Her workup included computerized tomography which demonstrated acute appendicitis with concern for a closed-loop bowel obstruction. She was offered diagnostic laparoscopy with anticipation of laparoscopic appendectomy and further evaluation for the source of the bowel obstruction. At the time of surgery, a Meckel’s diverticulum with acute diverticulitis was identified, in addition to an inflamed appendix. A small band near the base of the Meckel’s diverticulum was found and divided. The appendix was treated with a laparoscopic appendectomy and the Meckel's diverticulum was resected. She did well in recovery and continued to do well at her follow-up appointment. This case emphasized the importance of a thorough evaluation of a patient’s differential diagnosis, as it is possible for multiple pathologies to occur simultaneously.

Figures