Perforated Meckel’s Diverticulum in an Infant: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

TL;DR

A rare case of a perforated Meckel’s diverticulum in an infant is reported, highlighting the challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

Contribution

This case report adds to the limited literature on perforated Meckel’s diverticulum in infants and emphasizes diagnostic and management approaches.

Findings

An eight-month-old infant presented with symptoms consistent with a perforated Meckel’s diverticulum.

Laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis and led to successful surgical removal of the affected segment.

Histopathology confirmed perforation and presence of ectopic gastric mucosa in the diverticulum.

Abstract

Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract, but perforation of this diverticulum is a rare complication, especially in infants. Diagnosing this complication before surgery can be difficult, and it is typically confirmed through laparotomy. This report describes an eight-month-old female infant who was brought to the emergency department with a history of persistent crying, fever, vomiting, and one occurrence of currant jelly stool in the past 12 hours. A physical examination revealed abdominal distension, tenderness, and rigidity. An abdominal ultrasound indicated free intra-abdominal fluid containing micro-echoic elements. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, during which pus was found in the abdominal cavity. A perforated MD was identified, located 60 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. An enterectomy and end-to-end anastomosis were performed to remove the perforated diverticulum. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the infant was discharged on the eighth postoperative day. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of a perforated MD with ectopic gastric mucosa. This report summarizes and characterizes the presentation, diagnosis, and management of this rare complication.

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