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1
Pathophys.
6
Phenotypes
2
Medical Actions
7
References
1
Deep Research

Pathophysiology

1
Incomplete Vitelline Duct Obliteration
Meckel diverticulum results from failure of complete obliteration of the vitelline duct during embryonic development, leading to a persistent outpouching of the ileum.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:8506491 SUPPORT
"Meckel's diverticula are the result of incomplete degeneration of the vitelline duct."
This explains the embryological origin of Meckel diverticulum.
PMID:15026601 SUPPORT
"It results from improper closure and absorption of the omphalomesenteric duct."
This describes the embryological mechanism as failure of omphalomesenteric duct closure.

Phenotypes

6
Blood 1
Gastrointestinal Bleeding FREQUENT Gastrointestinal hemorrhage HP:0002239
Painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding is the most common presentation in children, often due to peptic ulceration from ectopic gastric mucosa.
Show evidence (4 references)
PMID:8506491 SUPPORT
"Meckel's diverticula are most commonly manifested in children by painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding and in adults, as an inflammatory process or obstruction."
This describes the age-specific manifestations of Meckel diverticulum complications.
PMID:17021300 SUPPORT
"It can cause complications in the form of ulceration, haemorrhage, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, perforation and, very rarely, vesicodiverticular fistulae and tumours."
This systematic review identifies hemorrhage as a major complication of Meckel diverticulum.
PMID:15026601 SUPPORT
"The most common complications are hemorrhage from peptic ulceration, small intestinal obstruction, and diverticulitis."
This identifies hemorrhage from peptic ulceration as the most common complication.
+ 1 more reference
Digestive 1
Intestinal Obstruction FREQUENT Intestinal obstruction HP:0005214
Bowel obstruction is a common complication in adults, often due to intussusception, volvulus, or band formation.
Show evidence (5 references)
PMID:8506491 SUPPORT
"Meckel's diverticula are most commonly manifested in children by painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding and in adults, as an inflammatory process or obstruction."
This describes intestinal obstruction as a common adult presentation.
PMID:17021300 SUPPORT
"It can cause complications in the form of ulceration, haemorrhage, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, perforation and, very rarely, vesicodiverticular fistulae and tumours."
This systematic review identifies intestinal obstruction as a major complication.
PMID:27492813 SUPPORT
"The major complications of Meckel's diverticulum include gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, perforation and inflammation."
This identifies bowel obstruction as one of the major complications of Meckel diverticulum.
+ 2 more references
Other 4
Diverticulitis OCCASIONAL Gastrointestinal inflammation HP:0004386
Inflammation of the diverticulum (diverticulitis) may present similarly to appendicitis.
Show evidence (3 references)
PMID:8506491 SUPPORT
"Meckel's diverticula are most commonly manifested in children by painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding and in adults, as an inflammatory process or obstruction."
This describes inflammatory presentations in adults.
PMID:27492813 SUPPORT
"The major complications of Meckel's diverticulum include gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, perforation and inflammation."
This identifies inflammation as a major complication.
PMID:37769709 SUPPORT
"Diverticulitis in Meckel's diverticulum."
This is a case report specifically documenting diverticulitis in Meckel's diverticulum.
Intestinal Perforation OCCASIONAL Intestinal perforation HP:0031368
Perforation of the diverticulum can occur, leading to peritonitis and acute abdomen.
Show evidence (3 references)
PMID:17021300 SUPPORT
"It can cause complications in the form of ulceration, haemorrhage, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, perforation and, very rarely, vesicodiverticular fistulae and tumours."
This systematic review identifies perforation as a complication of Meckel diverticulum.
PMID:27492813 SUPPORT
"The major complications of Meckel's diverticulum include gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, perforation and inflammation."
This identifies perforation as a major complication.
PMID:41044867 SUPPORT
"Perforated Meckel Diverticulum Caused by Vegetal Food Entrapment: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review."
This case report documents perforation of Meckel diverticulum.
Intussusception OCCASIONAL Intussusception HP:0002576
Meckel diverticulum can serve as a lead point for intussusception.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:17021300 SUPPORT
"It can cause complications in the form of ulceration, haemorrhage, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, perforation and, very rarely, vesicodiverticular fistulae and tumours."
This systematic review identifies intussusception as a complication of Meckel diverticulum.
PMID:37099684 SUPPORT
"There are few cases of a Meckel's diverticulum having been identified as the lead point for adult intussusception."
This notes that Meckel diverticulum as a lead point for intussusception is uncommon in adults.
Ectopic Gastric Mucosa FREQUENT
Approximately 50-60% of symptomatic Meckel diverticula contain heterotopic gastric or pancreatic tissue, with gastric mucosa being more common.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:27064958 SUPPORT
"Our review shows 58 cases containing gastric and/or pancreatic heterotopic tissue, including two unique cases."
This large series of 208 pediatric cases documents heterotopic tissue in Meckel diverticulum.
PMID:15026601 SUPPORT
"Heterotopic gastric and pancreatic mucosa are frequently found histologically within the diverticula of symptomatic patients."
This confirms that heterotopic gastric and pancreatic mucosa are frequently found in symptomatic cases.
💊

Medical Actions

2
Surgical Resection for Symptomatic Cases
Action: surgical procedure MAXO:0000004
All symptomatic Meckel diverticula should be surgically removed, typically with a segment of adjacent ileum.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:8506491 SUPPORT
"All symptomatic and pathologic Meckel's diverticula should be removed with a segment of ileum."
This provides guidance on surgical management of symptomatic Meckel diverticula.
PMID:31930430 SUPPORT
"Complicated Meckel's diverticulum is treated by resection."
This confirms resection as the treatment for complicated cases.
Incidental Diverticulectomy with Stapling Devices
Action: surgical procedure MAXO:0000004
For incidentally discovered Meckel diverticula during surgery, removal using stapling devices is reasonable if the diverticulum easily fits in the device.
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:8506491 SUPPORT
"The use of stapling devices, with their ease of use and low complication rate, make it reasonable to remove any Meckel's diverticulum that easily fits in the device. If a diverticulum found incidentally is so broad-based or short that stapling cannot be done without difficulty, it is unlikely to..."
This provides specific guidance on management of incidentally discovered Meckel diverticula using stapling devices.
{ }

Source YAML

click to show
name: Meckel Diverticulum
creation_date: '2026-01-07T22:29:33Z'
updated_date: '2026-05-09T19:42:12Z'
disease_term:
  preferred_term: Meckel diverticulum
  term:
    id: MONDO:0007955
    label: Meckel diverticulum
category: Congenital
parents:
- Gastrointestinal Disease
synonyms:
- Meckel's diverticulum
- MD
description: Meckel diverticulum is the most common congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting from incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct. It is a true diverticulum containing all layers of the intestinal wall and is typically located on the antimesenteric border of the ileum.
prevalence:
- population: Global
  percentage: 2
  notes: Occurs in approximately 2-3% of the general population. Males and females have equal frequency of formation, but complications are more common in males.
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:27492813
    reference_title: "The many faces of Meckel's diverticulum and its complications."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Meckel's diverticulum is the most frequent congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract, occurring in 2% of the general population."
    explanation: This confirms the 2% prevalence rate in the general population.
  - reference: PMID:15026601
    reference_title: "From the archives of the AFIP. Meckel diverticulum: radiologic features with pathologic Correlation."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Meckel diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, occurring in 2%-3% of the population."
    explanation: This confirms the 2-3% prevalence range.
  - reference: PMID:15026601
    reference_title: "From the archives of the AFIP. Meckel diverticulum: radiologic features with pathologic Correlation."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "The formation of Meckel diverticulum occurs with equal frequency in both sexes, but symptoms from complications are more common in male patients."
    explanation: This documents the sex-specific differences in complication rates despite equal occurrence.
progression:
- phase: Lifetime Risk
  notes: Most cases remain asymptomatic throughout life. Lifetime risk of complications is 4-40%, with complications more common in childhood. 60% of patients present before age 10, with the remainder manifesting in adolescence and adulthood.
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:27492813
    reference_title: "The many faces of Meckel's diverticulum and its complications."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Meckel's diverticulum is usually asymptomatic and found incidentally. However, the lifetime risk of complications is 4-40%."
    explanation: This describes the natural history and complication rates.
  - reference: PMID:8506491
    reference_title: "Surgical treatment of Meckel's diverticulum."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "It is generally believed that less than 5% of them become symptomatic, the frequency decreasing with age."
    explanation: This indicates that most cases remain asymptomatic and complications decrease with age.
  - reference: PMID:15026601
    reference_title: "From the archives of the AFIP. Meckel diverticulum: radiologic features with pathologic Correlation."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Sixty percent of patients come to medical attention before 10 years of age, with the remainder of cases manifesting in adolescence and adulthood."
    explanation: This documents the age distribution of symptomatic presentations.
pathophysiology:
- name: Incomplete Vitelline Duct Obliteration
  description: Meckel diverticulum results from failure of complete obliteration of the vitelline duct during embryonic development, leading to a persistent outpouching of the ileum.
  consequence: Formation of a true diverticulum containing all layers of the intestinal wall, typically located on the antimesenteric border of the distal ileum.
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:8506491
    reference_title: "Surgical treatment of Meckel's diverticulum."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Meckel's diverticula are the result of incomplete degeneration of the vitelline duct."
    explanation: This explains the embryological origin of Meckel diverticulum.
  - reference: PMID:15026601
    reference_title: "From the archives of the AFIP. Meckel diverticulum: radiologic features with pathologic Correlation."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "It results from improper closure and absorption of the omphalomesenteric duct."
    explanation: This describes the embryological mechanism as failure of omphalomesenteric duct closure.
phenotypes:
- category: Gastrointestinal
  name: Gastrointestinal Bleeding
  frequency: FREQUENT
  notes: Painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding is the most common presentation in children, often due to peptic ulceration from ectopic gastric mucosa.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
    term:
      id: HP:0002239
      label: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:8506491
    reference_title: "Surgical treatment of Meckel's diverticulum."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Meckel's diverticula are most commonly manifested in children by painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding and in adults, as an inflammatory process or obstruction."
    explanation: This describes the age-specific manifestations of Meckel diverticulum complications.
  - reference: PMID:17021300
    reference_title: "Meckel's diverticulum: a systematic review."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "It can cause complications in the form of ulceration, haemorrhage, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, perforation and, very rarely, vesicodiverticular fistulae and tumours."
    explanation: This systematic review identifies hemorrhage as a major complication of Meckel diverticulum.
  - reference: PMID:15026601
    reference_title: "From the archives of the AFIP. Meckel diverticulum: radiologic features with pathologic Correlation."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "The most common complications are hemorrhage from peptic ulceration, small intestinal obstruction, and diverticulitis."
    explanation: This identifies hemorrhage from peptic ulceration as the most common complication.
  - reference: PMID:19444035
    reference_title: "Neonatal Meckel's diverticulum: spectrum of presentation."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Our first patient presented with massive bleeding per rectum in the first week of life, which is the only case reported so far."
    explanation: This documents rare neonatal presentation with massive rectal bleeding in the first week of life.
- category: Gastrointestinal
  name: Intestinal Obstruction
  frequency: FREQUENT
  notes: Bowel obstruction is a common complication in adults, often due to intussusception, volvulus, or band formation.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Intestinal obstruction
    term:
      id: HP:0005214
      label: Intestinal obstruction
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:8506491
    reference_title: "Surgical treatment of Meckel's diverticulum."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Meckel's diverticula are most commonly manifested in children by painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding and in adults, as an inflammatory process or obstruction."
    explanation: This describes intestinal obstruction as a common adult presentation.
  - reference: PMID:17021300
    reference_title: "Meckel's diverticulum: a systematic review."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "It can cause complications in the form of ulceration, haemorrhage, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, perforation and, very rarely, vesicodiverticular fistulae and tumours."
    explanation: This systematic review identifies intestinal obstruction as a major complication.
  - reference: PMID:27492813
    reference_title: "The many faces of Meckel's diverticulum and its complications."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "The major complications of Meckel's diverticulum include gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, perforation and inflammation."
    explanation: This identifies bowel obstruction as one of the major complications of Meckel diverticulum.
  - reference: PMID:1084202
    reference_title: "Complications of Meckel's diverticulum."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "In particular, the possiblity of an attached mesodiverticular band leading to obstruction must be stressed."
    explanation: This highlights mesodiverticular bands as an important cause of intestinal obstruction.
  - reference: PMID:15026601
    reference_title: "From the archives of the AFIP. Meckel diverticulum: radiologic features with pathologic Correlation."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "The most common complications are hemorrhage from peptic ulceration, small intestinal obstruction, and diverticulitis."
    explanation: This identifies small intestinal obstruction as one of the three most common complications.
- category: Gastrointestinal
  name: Diverticulitis
  frequency: OCCASIONAL
  notes: Inflammation of the diverticulum (diverticulitis) may present similarly to appendicitis.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: diverticulitis
    term:
      id: HP:0004386
      label: Gastrointestinal inflammation
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:8506491
    reference_title: "Surgical treatment of Meckel's diverticulum."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Meckel's diverticula are most commonly manifested in children by painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding and in adults, as an inflammatory process or obstruction."
    explanation: This describes inflammatory presentations in adults.
  - reference: PMID:27492813
    reference_title: "The many faces of Meckel's diverticulum and its complications."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "The major complications of Meckel's diverticulum include gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, perforation and inflammation."
    explanation: This identifies inflammation as a major complication.
  - reference: PMID:37769709
    reference_title: "Diverticulitis in Meckel's diverticulum."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Diverticulitis in Meckel's diverticulum."
    explanation: This is a case report specifically documenting diverticulitis in Meckel's diverticulum.
- category: Gastrointestinal
  name: Intestinal Perforation
  frequency: OCCASIONAL
  notes: Perforation of the diverticulum can occur, leading to peritonitis and acute abdomen.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: intestinal perforation
    term:
      id: HP:0031368
      label: Intestinal perforation
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:17021300
    reference_title: "Meckel's diverticulum: a systematic review."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "It can cause complications in the form of ulceration, haemorrhage, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, perforation and, very rarely, vesicodiverticular fistulae and tumours."
    explanation: This systematic review identifies perforation as a complication of Meckel diverticulum.
  - reference: PMID:27492813
    reference_title: "The many faces of Meckel's diverticulum and its complications."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "The major complications of Meckel's diverticulum include gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, perforation and inflammation."
    explanation: This identifies perforation as a major complication.
  - reference: PMID:41044867
    reference_title: "Perforated Meckel Diverticulum Caused by Vegetal Food Entrapment: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Perforated Meckel Diverticulum Caused by Vegetal Food Entrapment: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review."
    explanation: This case report documents perforation of Meckel diverticulum.
- category: Gastrointestinal
  name: Intussusception
  frequency: OCCASIONAL
  notes: Meckel diverticulum can serve as a lead point for intussusception.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: intussusception
    term:
      id: HP:0002576
      label: Intussusception
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:17021300
    reference_title: "Meckel's diverticulum: a systematic review."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "It can cause complications in the form of ulceration, haemorrhage, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, perforation and, very rarely, vesicodiverticular fistulae and tumours."
    explanation: This systematic review identifies intussusception as a complication of Meckel diverticulum.
  - reference: PMID:37099684
    reference_title: "Inverted Meckel's Diverticulum Causing Adult Intussusception after Blunt Trauma."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "There are few cases of a Meckel's diverticulum having been identified as the lead point for adult intussusception."
    explanation: This notes that Meckel diverticulum as a lead point for intussusception is uncommon in adults.
- category: Gastrointestinal
  name: Ectopic Gastric Mucosa
  frequency: FREQUENT
  notes: Approximately 50-60% of symptomatic Meckel diverticula contain heterotopic gastric or pancreatic tissue, with gastric mucosa being more common.
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:27064958
    reference_title: "Pediatric Meckel's Diverticulum: Report of 208 Cases and Review of the Literature."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Our review shows 58 cases containing gastric and/or pancreatic heterotopic tissue, including two unique cases."
    explanation: This large series of 208 pediatric cases documents heterotopic tissue in Meckel diverticulum.
  - reference: PMID:15026601
    reference_title: "From the archives of the AFIP. Meckel diverticulum: radiologic features with pathologic Correlation."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Heterotopic gastric and pancreatic mucosa are frequently found histologically within the diverticula of symptomatic patients."
    explanation: This confirms that heterotopic gastric and pancreatic mucosa are frequently found in symptomatic cases.
treatments:
- name: Surgical Resection for Symptomatic Cases
  description: All symptomatic Meckel diverticula should be surgically removed, typically with a segment of adjacent ileum.
  treatment_term:
    preferred_term: surgical procedure
    term:
      id: MAXO:0000004
      label: surgical procedure
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:8506491
    reference_title: "Surgical treatment of Meckel's diverticulum."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "All symptomatic and pathologic Meckel's diverticula should be removed with a segment of ileum."
    explanation: This provides guidance on surgical management of symptomatic Meckel diverticula.
  - reference: PMID:31930430
    reference_title: "The Many Faces of Meckel's Diverticulum: Update on Management in Incidental and Symptomatic Patients."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Complicated Meckel's diverticulum is treated by resection."
    explanation: This confirms resection as the treatment for complicated cases.
- name: Incidental Diverticulectomy with Stapling Devices
  description: For incidentally discovered Meckel diverticula during surgery, removal using stapling devices is reasonable if the diverticulum easily fits in the device.
  treatment_term:
    preferred_term: surgical procedure
    term:
      id: MAXO:0000004
      label: surgical procedure
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:8506491
    reference_title: "Surgical treatment of Meckel's diverticulum."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "The use of stapling devices, with their ease of use and low complication rate, make it reasonable to remove any Meckel's diverticulum that easily fits in the device. If a diverticulum found incidentally is so broad-based or short that stapling cannot be done without difficulty, it is unlikely to become symptomatic and should be left undisturbed."
    explanation: This provides specific guidance on management of incidentally discovered Meckel diverticula using stapling devices.
references:
- reference: DOI:10.1007/s00247-022-05527-z
  title: 'Meckel diverticulum scintigraphy: technique, findings and diagnostic pitfalls'
  found_in:
  - Meckel_Diverticulum-deep-research-falcon.md
  findings:
  - statement: 'Meckel diverticulum scintigraphy: technique, findings and diagnostic pitfalls'
    supporting_text: 'Meckel diverticulum scintigraphy: technique, findings and diagnostic pitfalls'
- reference: DOI:10.1007/s00247-025-06284-5
  title: 'Premedication in pediatric Meckel scintigraphy: pantoprazole versus ranitidine for optimizing scan quality'
  found_in:
  - Meckel_Diverticulum-deep-research-falcon.md
  findings:
  - statement: The standard method for diagnosing Meckel diverticulum and identifying ectopic gastric mucosa is 99 mTc-pertechnetate imaging.
    supporting_text: The standard method for diagnosing Meckel diverticulum and identifying ectopic gastric mucosa is 99 mTc-pertechnetate imaging.
    evidence:
    - reference: DOI:10.1007/s00247-025-06284-5
      reference_title: 'Premedication in pediatric Meckel scintigraphy: pantoprazole versus ranitidine for optimizing scan quality'
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: The standard method for diagnosing Meckel diverticulum and identifying ectopic gastric mucosa is 99 mTc-pertechnetate imaging.
      explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Meckel Diverticulum.
- reference: DOI:10.1007/s00383-025-06197-2
  title: 'Diverse clinical features of symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum: a multicenter study of 151 consecutive pediatric patients from the Western Balkans'
  found_in:
  - Meckel_Diverticulum-deep-research-falcon.md
  findings:
  - statement: Symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) has various clinical presentations and can be easily misdiagnosed.
    supporting_text: Symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) has various clinical presentations and can be easily misdiagnosed.
    evidence:
    - reference: DOI:10.1007/s00383-025-06197-2
      reference_title: 'Diverse clinical features of symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum: a multicenter study of 151 consecutive pediatric patients from the Western Balkans'
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: Symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) has various clinical presentations and can be easily misdiagnosed.
      explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Meckel Diverticulum.
- reference: DOI:10.1080/00015458.2022.2136047
  title: Mechanical ileus of the small bowel due to an inflamed Meckel’s diverticulum with an enterolith – a case report with literature review
  found_in:
  - Meckel_Diverticulum-deep-research-falcon.md
  findings:
  - statement: Mechanical ileus of the small bowel due to an inflamed Meckel’s diverticulum with an enterolith – a case report with literature review
    supporting_text: Mechanical ileus of the small bowel due to an inflamed Meckel’s diverticulum with an enterolith – a case report with literature review
- reference: DOI:10.3389/fsurg.2023.1327545
  title: "Meckel's diverticulum: analysis of 27 cases in an adult population"
  found_in:
  - Meckel_Diverticulum-deep-research-falcon.md
  findings:
  - statement: Meckel's diverticulum is a rare congenital pathology among newborns.
    supporting_text: Meckel's diverticulum is a rare congenital pathology among newborns.
    evidence:
    - reference: DOI:10.3389/fsurg.2023.1327545
      reference_title: "Meckel's diverticulum: analysis of 27 cases in an adult population"
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: Meckel's diverticulum is a rare congenital pathology among newborns.
      explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Meckel Diverticulum.
- reference: DOI:10.47717/turkjsurg.2024.6446
  title: 'The clinical presentation of Meckel’s diverticulum: Eight years experience'
  found_in:
  - Meckel_Diverticulum-deep-research-falcon.md
  findings:
  - statement: Meckel’s diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract.
    supporting_text: Meckel’s diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract.
    evidence:
    - reference: DOI:10.47717/turkjsurg.2024.6446
      reference_title: 'The clinical presentation of Meckel’s diverticulum: Eight years experience'
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: Meckel’s diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract.
      explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Meckel Diverticulum.
- reference: DOI:10.1177/014107680609901011
  title: "Meckel's Diverticulum: a Systematic Review"
  found_in:
  - Meckel_Diverticulum-deep-research-falcon.md
  findings: []
📚

References & Deep Research

References

7
Meckel diverticulum scintigraphy: technique, findings and diagnostic pitfalls
1 finding
Meckel diverticulum scintigraphy: technique, findings and diagnostic pitfalls
"Meckel diverticulum scintigraphy: technique, findings and diagnostic pitfalls"
Premedication in pediatric Meckel scintigraphy: pantoprazole versus ranitidine for optimizing scan quality
1 finding
The standard method for diagnosing Meckel diverticulum and identifying ectopic gastric mucosa is 99 mTc-pertechnetate imaging.
"The standard method for diagnosing Meckel diverticulum and identifying ectopic gastric mucosa is 99 mTc-pertechnetate imaging."
Show evidence (1 reference)
DOI:10.1007/s00247-025-06284-5 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"The standard method for diagnosing Meckel diverticulum and identifying ectopic gastric mucosa is 99 mTc-pertechnetate imaging."
Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Meckel Diverticulum.
Diverse clinical features of symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum: a multicenter study of 151 consecutive pediatric patients from the Western Balkans
1 finding
Symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) has various clinical presentations and can be easily misdiagnosed.
"Symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) has various clinical presentations and can be easily misdiagnosed."
Show evidence (1 reference)
DOI:10.1007/s00383-025-06197-2 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"Symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) has various clinical presentations and can be easily misdiagnosed."
Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Meckel Diverticulum.
Mechanical ileus of the small bowel due to an inflamed Meckel’s diverticulum with an enterolith – a case report with literature review
1 finding
Mechanical ileus of the small bowel due to an inflamed Meckel’s diverticulum with an enterolith – a case report with literature review
"Mechanical ileus of the small bowel due to an inflamed Meckel’s diverticulum with an enterolith – a case report with literature review"
Meckel's diverticulum: analysis of 27 cases in an adult population
1 finding
Meckel's diverticulum is a rare congenital pathology among newborns.
"Meckel's diverticulum is a rare congenital pathology among newborns."
Show evidence (1 reference)
DOI:10.3389/fsurg.2023.1327545 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"Meckel's diverticulum is a rare congenital pathology among newborns."
Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Meckel Diverticulum.
The clinical presentation of Meckel’s diverticulum: Eight years experience
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Meckel’s diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract.
"Meckel’s diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract."
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DOI:10.47717/turkjsurg.2024.6446 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"Meckel’s diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract."
Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Meckel Diverticulum.
Meckel's Diverticulum: a Systematic Review
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Meckel Diverticulum (Congenital) — Disease Characteristics Research Report
Edison Scientific Literature 23 citations 2026-05-09T11:56:13.950390

Meckel Diverticulum (Congenital) — Disease Characteristics Research Report

Scope, evidence base, and limitations

This report synthesizes evidence from recent peer‑reviewed clinical series and reviews retrieved via the provided tools, prioritizing 2023–2025 sources where available. Primary evidence includes: a 2023 Pediatric Radiology review of Meckel diverticulum (MD) scintigraphy and pitfalls; a 2024 hospital series describing presentation and operative management; a 2023 adult surgical series; a 2025 multicenter pediatric symptomatic cohort; and a 2025 paper comparing pantoprazole vs ranitidine premedication in MD scintigraphy. Where identifiers (e.g., MONDO, MeSH, ICD-10) are requested, the current tool session did not retrieve authoritative ontology/registry pages, so those identifiers are marked as not available from retrieved evidence.

Key sources (publication date; URL): - Aboughalia et al., Nov 2023, Pediatric Radiology — https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-022-05527-z (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3) - Hernández et al., Dec 2023, Frontiers in Surgery — https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2023.1327545 (hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4, hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 1-2) - Jarboa et al., Dec 2024, Turkish Journal of Surgery — https://doi.org/10.47717/turkjsurg.2024.6446 (jarboa2024theclinicalpresentation pages 1-2) - Önner et al., Jun 2025, Pediatric Radiology — https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-025-06284-5 (onner2025premedicationinpediatric pages 1-3, onner2025premedicationinpediatric pages 3-4, onner2025premedicationinpediatric pages 4-6, onner2025premedicationinpediatric media a6df16f3, onner2025premedicationinpediatric media 9c9d2a7f) - Zvizdic et al., Oct 2025, Pediatric Surgery International — https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-025-06197-2 (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4)


1. Disease information

1.1. Overview (definition; current understanding)

Meckel diverticulum is a congenital true diverticulum of the ileum caused by failed involution/obliteration of the omphalomesenteric (vitelline) duct during embryogenesis; the duct normally involutes during approximately the 5th–9th week of gestation. (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3, dyn2023mechanicalileusof pages 1-3, hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 1-2)

Direct abstract-supported definition (recent): Aboughalia et al. describe MD as the “commonest congenital GI anomaly” resulting from aberrant involution of the omphalomesenteric duct, and emphasize that ectopic gastric mucosa is the scintigraphic target for Tc‑99m pertechnetate imaging. (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3)

1.2. Key identifiers

Not reliably extractable from the retrieved full-text evidence in this tool session: - MONDO ID: not available from retrieved evidence. - MeSH: not available from retrieved evidence. - ICD-10/ICD-11: not available from retrieved evidence. - OMIM/Orphanet: not available from retrieved evidence.

1.3. Synonyms / alternative names

Synonyms used across sources: - Meckel’s diverticulum (standard) (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3, jarboa2024theclinicalpresentation pages 1-2, zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4) - Meckel diverticulum (without possessive) (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3) - Vitelline/omphalomesenteric duct remnant (conceptual synonym) (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3, dyn2023mechanicalileusof pages 1-3, hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 1-2)

1.4. Source granularity

The evidence base includes both: - Aggregated disease-level resources/reviews (e.g., imaging technique and pitfalls) (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3) - Institutional or multicenter clinical cohorts (adult and pediatric) (jarboa2024theclinicalpresentation pages 1-2, zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4, hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4)


2. Etiology

2.1. Disease causal factors

Primary cause: embryologic failure of regression/obliteration of the omphalomesenteric (vitelline) duct, yielding a persistent diverticulum in the distal ileum. (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3, dyn2023mechanicalileusof pages 1-3, hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 1-2)

2.2. Risk factors

In the retrieved evidence, “risk factors” are primarily demographic and anatomic correlates rather than genetic/environmental exposures: - Male sex: multiple cohorts show strong male predominance among symptomatic MD cases (e.g., 80.1% male in a pediatric symptomatic cohort; 88.5% male in an 8‑year mixed series; 81.4% male in an adult surgical cohort). (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4, jarboa2024theclinicalpresentation pages 1-2, hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4) - Longer diverticulum length: Jarboa et al. conclude that “the longer Meckel's diverticulum is, the more prone it is to developing complications” (from abstract text). (jarboa2024theclinicalpresentation pages 1-2)

Environmental risk factors: not identified in the retrieved evidence.

2.3. Protective factors

No genetic or environmental protective factors were identified in the retrieved evidence.

2.4. Gene–environment interactions

No gene–environment interaction evidence was identified in the retrieved evidence.


3. Phenotypes (clinical manifestations)

3.1. Core phenotype spectrum

MD can be asymptomatic/incidental or symptomatic with major presentations including painless lower GI bleeding, intestinal obstruction, diverticulitis/peritonitis, and less commonly perforation. (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3, zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4, hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 1-2)

Aboughalia et al. summarize major complications as: “painless bleeding, diverticulitis, perforation, bowel obstruction (from intussusception, volvulus, fibrous bands or Littre hernia) and rarely malignancy.” (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3)

3.2. Presentation frequencies (recent cohorts)

  • Pediatric symptomatic multicenter cohort (n=151): obstruction 38.4%, GI bleeding 37.8%, peritonitis 23.8%; 63.6% had multiple symptoms. (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4)
  • Mixed clinical series (n=104): among emergency presentations: abdominal pain 42.5%, obstruction 25%, bleeding per rectum 15%, acute abdomen 11.3%, intussusception 6.2%. (jarboa2024theclinicalpresentation pages 1-2)
  • Adult surgical series (n=27): symptom mechanisms included obstruction (13/27), inflammation (5/27), bleeding (3/27), perforation (1/27); abdominal pain was common (22/27). (hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4)

3.3. Suggested HPO terms (non-exhaustive)

Based on the phenotype spectrum reported in the retrieved evidence: - GI bleeding/hematochezia: HP:0001892 (Gastrointestinal hemorrhage); HP:0001903 (Hematochezia) - Abdominal pain/acute abdomen: HP:0002027 (Abdominal pain); HP:0030654 (Acute abdomen) - Bowel obstruction/ileus: HP:0002583 (Intestinal obstruction) - Intussusception: HP:0002029 (Intussusception) - Vomiting: HP:0002013 (Vomiting) - Diarrhea: HP:0002014 (Diarrhea) - Peritonitis: HP:0002586 (Peritonitis) - Anemia (secondary to bleeding): HP:0001903 (Anemia)

Frequency note: HPO mapping above is qualitative; frequencies should be taken from cohort data cited in Section 3.2. (jarboa2024theclinicalpresentation pages 1-2, zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4, hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4)

3.4. Quality of life impact

Formal patient-reported quality-of-life instruments (e.g., EQ‑5D/SF‑36) were not described in the retrieved evidence. Clinically, presentations such as GI bleeding, acute abdomen, and obstruction typically require emergency evaluation and surgery (pediatric and adult cohorts), implying substantial acute functional impact. (jarboa2024theclinicalpresentation pages 1-2, zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4)


4. Genetic / molecular information

4.1. Causal genes / pathogenic variants

No monogenic etiology, causal genes, or pathogenic variants were identified in the retrieved evidence, consistent with MD being primarily a developmental anatomic anomaly rather than a single-gene disorder in routine clinical characterization. (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3, hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 1-2)

4.2. Modifier genes / epigenetics / chromosomal abnormalities

No evidence identified in retrieved documents.


5. Environmental information

No specific environmental, lifestyle, or infectious causal contributors were identified in the retrieved evidence.


6. Mechanism / pathophysiology

6.1. Core mechanistic chain (accepted clinical mechanism)

1) Embryologic persistence of the omphalomesenteric duct produces an ileal true diverticulum. (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3, dyn2023mechanicalileusof pages 1-3) 2) Many MD contain ectopic mucosa, especially gastric mucosa (up to ~50–60% in an imaging-focused review; 55.6% ectopic tissue in a pediatric symptomatic cohort). (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3, zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4) 3) Ectopic gastric mucosa can drive ulceration and painless lower GI bleeding, particularly in pediatrics; Aboughalia et al. state MD with ectopic gastric mucosa account for “>50% of unexplained pediatric lower GI bleeding.” (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3) 4) Obstruction arises via intussusception, volvulus, fibrous bands, inflammation, or enteroliths, producing acute abdomen, vomiting, distention, and requiring surgical management. (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3, zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4, dyn2023mechanicalileusof pages 1-3)

6.2. Suggested GO biological process terms (examples)

  • GO:0002526 acute inflammatory response (diverticulitis/peritonitis context)
  • GO:0006954 inflammatory response
  • GO:0007596 blood coagulation / hemostasis (bleeding context)
  • GO:0006950 response to stress (acute hemorrhage/ischemia context)

6.3. Suggested cell types (Cell Ontology; examples)

Mechanism centers on mucosal epithelium and ectopic gastric tissue: - Gastric parietal cell (acid secretion; scintigraphic signal retention discussion in premedication paper) (onner2025premedicationinpediatric pages 4-6) - Intestinal epithelial cell (ileal mucosa) - Smooth muscle cell (bowel motility/obstruction context)

6.4. Advanced molecular profiling

No transcriptomic/proteomic/metabolomic or single-cell/spatial omics evidence was identified in retrieved documents.


7. Anatomical structures affected

7.1. Organ / system level

  • Primary: small intestine (ileum); classically antimesenteric border near the ileocecal valve. (jarboa2024theclinicalpresentation pages 1-2, dyn2023mechanicalileusof pages 1-3)
  • Complication involvement: intestinal lumen (bleeding), peritoneum (peritonitis), mesentery/bands (obstruction/volvulus). (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3, zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4)

7.2. Suggested UBERON terms (examples)

  • UBERON:0002108 small intestine
  • UBERON:0002116 ileum
  • UBERON:0001155 ileocecal valve
  • UBERON:0003688 peritoneum

8. Temporal development

  • Onset: congenital (anomaly present at birth), but symptomatic presentation is age-dependent.
  • Pediatric symptomatic median age 6.7 years (IQR 1.5–10.8) in a multicenter cohort. (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4)
  • Adult cohorts demonstrate presentations in adulthood with varied complications and frequent diagnostic uncertainty. (hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4)
  • Course pattern: asymptomatic/incidental in many; episodic or acute presentations when complicated (bleeding, obstruction, diverticulitis/peritonitis). (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3, jarboa2024theclinicalpresentation pages 1-2)

9. Inheritance and population

9.1. Epidemiology (prevalence/incidence; demographics)

  • Population prevalence estimates in retrieved evidence are typically around ~1–3% and ~2–3%. (dyn2023mechanicalileusof pages 1-3, aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3)
  • Sex ratio: male predominance among symptomatic presentations is repeatedly noted.
  • Imaging review provides a male:female ratio around ~2–3:1. (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3)
  • Pediatric symptomatic cohort: 80.1% male. (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4)
  • Adult surgical cohort: 81.4% male. (hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4)

9.2. Inheritance pattern

No inheritance pattern was reported in retrieved evidence; MD is generally treated clinically as a sporadic congenital developmental anomaly (not demonstrated as Mendelian in the retrieved sources).


10. Diagnostics

10.1. Imaging and endoscopic testing

Tc‑99m pertechnetate Meckel scintigraphy (Meckel scan): - Aboughalia et al. describe Tc‑99m pertechnetate scintigraphy as emphasizing ectopic gastric mucosa and report ~90% accuracy in children (review-level estimate). (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3) - In a large pediatric symptomatic cohort, Tc‑99m scan was positive in 80.7% of bleeding cases (46/57). (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4) - Limitations/pitfalls: the imaging review emphasizes attention to normal tracer biodistribution and labeling-agent effects (e.g., stannous ion persistence) to avoid misinterpretation. (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3)

Optimization of scintigraphy via premedication (recent development): - Önner et al. highlight that “H2 receptor antagonists enhance the sensitivity of Meckel scintigraphy… by delaying the luminal release of 99mTc‑pertechnetate from the parietal and mucus cells,” and compared ranitidine vs pantoprazole after ranitidine withdrawal. (onner2025premedicationinpediatric pages 4-6) - In 141 children, scan-quality categories were similar between pantoprazole and ranitidine (no significant differences), and positive scans were surgically confirmed; pantoprazole was “equivalent” to ranitidine in scan quality and lesion‑to‑background ratios. (onner2025premedicationinpediatric pages 1-3, onner2025premedicationinpediatric pages 3-4, onner2025premedicationinpediatric pages 4-6)

Ultrasound and CT (real-world yields in symptomatic pediatric cohort): - In Zvizdic et al., ultrasound detected no MD (0% yield in their cohort), while CT identified MD in 11.9% (5/42). (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4)

10.2. Operative/pathology confirmation

Multiple cohorts emphasize that MD is often diagnosed definitively intraoperatively and confirmed by histopathology, including ectopic tissue assessment. (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4, hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4)

10.3. Suggested differential diagnoses (from presentation overlap)

The retrieved evidence specifically emphasizes diagnostic challenge and underdiagnosis in non-bleeding cases, implying common differentials by syndrome (acute abdomen/bleeding/obstruction), including appendicitis-like presentations and other causes of pediatric lower GI bleeding. (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3, hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 1-2)


11. Outcome / prognosis

11.1. Surgical outcomes (recent pediatric multicenter data)

In 151 pediatric symptomatic cases, postoperative complications occurred in ~5.3% with no mortality reported during follow-up. (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4)

11.2. Adult outcomes

Adult series report variable hospital length of stay and high rates of diagnostic uncertainty before surgery; quantitative mortality was not extractable from the retrieved adult cohort snippets. (hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4)


12. Treatment

12.1. Standard of care (current practice)

Surgery is repeatedly described as the cornerstone/definitive management for symptomatic MD: - Adult cohort: all 27 cases underwent resection via diverticulectomy or segmental small bowel resection with anastomosis. (hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4) - Pediatric multicenter cohort: segmental small-bowel resection (80.8%) was more common than simple diverticulectomy (19.2%), reflecting complicated presentations and need to resect adjacent bowel. (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4)

12.2. Surgical modalities (real-world implementations)

  • Pediatric cohort: laparotomy 72.2%, laparoscopy 23.2%, conversion 4.6%. (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4)
  • Adult cohort: totally laparoscopic, laparoscopic-assisted, and open approaches were all used. (hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4)

12.3. Incidental/asymptomatic MD resection (expert controversy)

Incidental MD management remains debated in practice; however, cohort data show incidental resections occur: - Jarboa et al.: 23% incidental findings; authors state that resection of incidental MD “does not increase the risk of morbidity” (from abstract conclusion). (jarboa2024theclinicalpresentation pages 1-2) - Hernández et al.: asymptomatic incidental diverticula were resected in 5 patients in their adult series. (hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4)

12.4. MAXO suggestions (examples)

  • Diverticulectomy / surgical excision of diverticulum (MAXO term: surgical excision procedure)
  • Segmental small bowel resection with anastomosis (MAXO: intestinal resection)
  • Laparoscopic surgery (MAXO: minimally invasive surgical procedure)

12.5. Pharmacotherapy

No disease-modifying pharmacotherapy exists for the anatomic lesion itself in the retrieved evidence. Acid suppression is used diagnostically to optimize scintigraphy rather than treat the diverticulum (premedication for imaging). (onner2025premedicationinpediatric pages 1-3, onner2025premedicationinpediatric pages 4-6)


13. Prevention

No primary prevention (preventing occurrence) strategies were identified; MD is congenital. Secondary/tertiary prevention in practice includes: - maintaining clinical suspicion and appropriate workup for unexplained pediatric lower GI bleeding (Tc‑99m pertechnetate scan) (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3, zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4) - surgical management to prevent recurrent bleeding/obstruction once symptomatic and diagnosed (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4, hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4)


14. Other species / natural disease

No evidence was retrieved in this tool session describing naturally occurring Meckel diverticulum in non-human species.


15. Model organisms

No specific animal or experimental model organism evidence for MD was retrieved in this tool session.


Recent developments (2023–2025) and expert analysis (authoritative sources)

1) Updated scintigraphy technique and pitfalls (2023): The Pediatric Radiology review emphasizes modern best practices and common interpretive pitfalls for Tc‑99m pertechnetate imaging, highlighting the continued central role of scintigraphy for suspected bleeding MD in children. (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3) 2) Evidence on real-world diagnostic yields (2025 pediatric multicenter): Ultrasound and CT had low preoperative detection rates in symptomatic MD, while Tc‑99m scans were frequently positive in bleeding presentations (80.7%). This supports a bleeding‑phenotype–guided diagnostic pathway. (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4) 3) Protocol adaptation after ranitidine withdrawal (2025): Önner et al. provide practical evidence that IV pantoprazole can substitute for ranitidine without degrading scan quality metrics, reflecting real-world protocol change driven by drug availability and safety considerations. (onner2025premedicationinpediatric pages 1-3, onner2025premedicationinpediatric pages 3-4, onner2025premedicationinpediatric pages 4-6, onner2025premedicationinpediatric media a6df16f3, onner2025premedicationinpediatric media 9c9d2a7f)


Evidence summary table

The following table consolidates quantitative findings extracted from the retrieved sources.

Study (year, journal) Population (pediatric/adult; n) Key epidemiology (prevalence/incidence/sex ratio) Presentation frequencies Ectopic mucosa frequencies Diagnostic performance stats Treatment approach stats Outcomes/complications
Aboughalia 2023, Pediatric Radiology Review; population-level Incidence/prevalence 2–3% of population; male:female ~2–3:1; “rule of 2s” includes ~2 ft from ileocecal valve and ~2 inches long (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3) Meckel diverticula with ectopic gastric mucosa account for >50% of unexplained pediatric lower GI bleeding; complications listed include painless bleeding, diverticulitis, perforation, bowel obstruction, rare malignancy (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3) Gastric mucosa up to 50–60%; pancreatic mucosa up to 16% (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3) Tc-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy accuracy ~90% in children (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3) NR (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3) NR quantitatively in snippet (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3)
Jarboa 2024, Turkish Journal of Surgery Mixed clinical series; n=104 Present in ~2–3% of population; male 92/104 (88.5%); symptomatic 80/104 (77%); incidental 24/104 (23%) (jarboa2024theclinicalpresentation pages 1-2) Abdominal pain 34/80 (42.5%); intestinal obstruction 20/80 (25%); bleeding per rectum 12/80 (15%); acute abdomen 9/80 (11.3%); intussusception 5/80 (6.2%) (jarboa2024theclinicalpresentation pages 1-2) Ectopic gastric mucosa 30/104 (28.8%); background review figures: gastric ~50%, pancreatic ~5% (jarboa2024theclinicalpresentation pages 1-2) Diagnostic workup used US, endoscopy/capsule, CT, MRI, enterography, Meckel scan; no sensitivity/specificity reported in snippet (jarboa2024theclinicalpresentation pages 1-2) Small bowel resection 41/91 (45.1%); stapled resection 44/91 (48.3%); ligation of base 6/91 (6.4%) (jarboa2024theclinicalpresentation pages 1-2) Authors state incidental resection did not increase morbidity; no numeric mortality in snippet (jarboa2024theclinicalpresentation pages 1-2)
Hernández 2023, Frontiers in Surgery Adult series; n=27 Male 22/27 (81.4%); symptomatic group n=22 with 18 male and 4 female; mean diverticulum–ileocecal valve distance 63.4 cm (hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4, hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 1-2) Abdominal pain 22/27 (85% in abstract; 22 cases in evidence table); vomiting 10/27; diarrhea 6/27; mechanisms: obstruction 13/27, inflammation 5/27, bleeding 3/27, perforation 1/27; 82% of symptomatic patients had ≥2 symptoms (hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4, hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 1-2) Gastric ectopic mucosa 9/27; normal ileal mucosa 13/27 (hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4) Positive perioperative 99mTc scan in 2/22 symptomatic patients (9%) (hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4, hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 1-2) Totally laparoscopic 8/22; laparoscopic-assisted 8/22; laparotomy 6/22; diverticulectomy 6/27; small-bowel resection with end-to-end anastomosis 6/27; lateral-to-lateral anastomosis 15/27; incidental asymptomatic diverticula resected in 5 patients (hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 2-4, hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 1-2) Symptomatic group average hospital stay 7.3 days; no mortality figure in snippet (hernandez2023meckelsdiverticulumanalysis pages 1-2)
Zvizdic 2025, Pediatric Surgery International Pediatric symptomatic series; n=151 Male 80.1%; median age 6.7 years (IQR 1.5–10.8); strong male predominance ~4:1 (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4) Intestinal obstruction 38.4%; GI bleeding 37.8%; peritonitis 23.8%; acute abdomen 62.3%; multiple symptoms 63.6%; obstruction due to intussusception 72.4%, with ileo-ileal invagination 64.3% of those (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4) Ectopic tissue 55.6%; gastric 48.3%; pancreatic 2.6%; both gastric and pancreatic 4.6% (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4) Tc-99m scan positive in 46/57 bleeding patients (80.7%); CT identified MD in 5/42 (11.9%); preoperative diagnosis in non-bleeding cases 3.2%; abdominal US detected no MD (0%) (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4) Laparotomy 72.2%; laparoscopy 23.2%; conversion 4.6%; segmental small-bowel resection with primary anastomosis 80.8%; diverticulectomy 19.2% (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4) Postoperative complications 5.3% in evidence summary / 3.2% in abstract text; no postoperative mortality; follow-up 3–12 years (zvizdic2025diverseclinicalfeatures pages 2-4)
Kaka 2023, clinical cohort Pediatric series; n=25 Mean age 4.604 ± 3.482 years (range 7 days–11 years); male 17/25 (68%), nearly 2:1 (kaka2023outcomesofdifferent pages 4-8) Vomiting 17/25 (68%); abdominal distention 16/25 (64%); rectal bleeding 14/25 (56%); abdominal pain 12/25 (48%) (kaka2023outcomesofdifferent pages 4-8) Isolated gastric mucosa 10/25 (40%); mixed gastric/pancreatic 7/25 (28%); isolated pancreatic 3/25 (12%); no ectopic mucosa 5/25 (20%) (kaka2023outcomesofdifferent pages 4-8) Preoperative diagnosis described as difficult; no scan sensitivity/specificity reported (kaka2023outcomesofdifferent pages 4-8) Emergency laparotomy 16/25 (64%); laparoscopy 9/25 (36%) (kaka2023outcomesofdifferent pages 4-8) No quantitative mortality/complication rate in snippet (kaka2023outcomesofdifferent pages 4-8)
De Dyn 2023, Acta Chirurgica Belgica Review/case-based adult-focused evidence Population prevalence 1–3%; symptomatic male:female 3:1; asymptomatic adults 1:1; typical adult location 60–90 cm from ileocecal valve (range 10–150 cm), neonates 30–50 cm (dyn2023mechanicalileusof pages 1-3) Common complications are hemorrhage and obstruction (dyn2023mechanicalileusof pages 1-3) Ectopic/dystopic mucosa 30–50%; gastric fundus/corpus 15.3%; antral/pyloric 3.06%; duodenal 4.08%; pancreatic 2.04%; mixed 3.06% (dyn2023mechanicalileusof pages 1-3) CT in reported case showed mechanical SBO with hyperdense lesion; no general sensitivity/specificity reported (dyn2023mechanicalileusof pages 1-3) Diagnostic/therapeutic laparoscopy used in reported case (dyn2023mechanicalileusof pages 1-3) One cited series reported complications in 41.5% of 3,032 surgically removed diverticula (dyn2023mechanicalileusof pages 1-3)
Sagar 2021, Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Systematic review Present in 2–4% of population; most studies suggest incidence 0.6–4%; complications 3–4 times greater in males; historical complication rate 25%, more recent 4–16% (sagar2021meckelsdiverticuluma pages 1-2) Adult obstruction 14–53%; ulceration 54%; common presentations include bleeding, obstruction, intussusception, ulceration, diverticulitis, perforation (sagar2021meckelsdiverticuluma pages 1-2) NR quantitatively in snippet beyond relationship to ectopic gastric mucosa and bleeding (sagar2021meckelsdiverticuluma pages 1-2) Preoperative diagnosis improved with technetium-99m pertechnetate scan and diagnostic laparoscopy; no pooled sensitivity/specificity in snippet (sagar2021meckelsdiverticuluma pages 1-2) Narrow and long diverticula in young suggested for prophylactic excision in review snippet (sagar2021meckelsdiverticuluma pages 1-2) Complication rate range 4–16% in more recent literature (sagar2021meckelsdiverticuluma pages 1-2)

Table: This table compiles the main quantitative findings explicitly available from the retrieved evidence on Meckel diverticulum, including epidemiology, presentation patterns, ectopic mucosa frequencies, diagnostic yields, surgery, and outcomes. It is useful as a compact evidence summary for knowledge-base population and cross-study comparison.


Visual evidence (scintigraphy protocol update)

Önner et al. (2025) provide a graphical abstract and tabulated scan-quality outcomes comparing pantoprazole vs ranitidine premedication for pediatric Meckel scintigraphy; the retrieved figure/table images support equivalence in scan-quality categories used operationally in nuclear medicine protocols. (onner2025premedicationinpediatric media a6df16f3, onner2025premedicationinpediatric media 9c9d2a7f)

References

  1. (aboughalia2023meckeldiverticulumscintigraphy pages 1-3): Hassan A. Aboughalia, Safia H. E. Cheeney, Saeed Elojeimy, Lisa C. Blacklock, and Marguerite T. Parisi. Meckel diverticulum scintigraphy: technique, findings and diagnostic pitfalls. Pediatric Radiology, 53:493-508, Nov 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-022-05527-z, doi:10.1007/s00247-022-05527-z. This article has 21 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.

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