J Korean Soc Radiol.  2017 Nov;77(5):309-312. 10.3348/jksr.2017.77.5.309.

Embolization of a Life-Threatening Hemorrhage from Meckel's Diverticulum in an Adult

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Radiology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea.
  • 2Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. ewooya@empas.com

Abstract

Hemorrhage from Meckel's diverticulum is very rare in adults. However, it should not be overlooked as a possible cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, since hemorrhage from Meckel's diverticulum can be acute and massive. We report a case a 29-year-old man having Meckel's diverticulum in with life-threatening hemorrhage. This case emphasizes the potential role of transcatheter arterial embolization during the early detection period, and proper management of massive hemorrhage from Meckel's diverticulum.


MeSH Terms

Adult*
Angiography
Embolization, Therapeutic
Hemorrhage*
Humans
Meckel Diverticulum*

Figure

  • Fig. 1 A 29-year-old man presented with a one-day history of hematochezia. A, B. Enhanced axial CT scans show a blind-ending intestinal pouch (arrows) with enhancing mucosa arising from pelvic ileum in the right lower abdomen. The evidence of active bleeding (extravasation of contrast medium) was not seen on CT images. CT = computed tomography

  • Fig. 2 A 29-year-old man presented with a one-day history of hematochezia. A. Superior mesenteric arteriogram shows an abnormally dilated vitellointestinal artery (arrowheads) originating from the ileal artery without anastomoses to other ileal branches, and extravasation of contrast medium from its distal end (arrow). B. Post-embolization radiograph shows NBCA cast in the distal end of the vitellointestinal artery (arrow) and extravasated contrast medium accumulated in the diverticular lumen (asterisk). NBCA = n-butyl cyanoacrylate

  • Fig. 3 Surgical specimen shows Meckel's diverticulum with transmural acute inflammation and ulcer.


Reference

1. Levy AD, Hobbs CM. From the archives of the AFIP. Meckel diverticulum: radiologic features with pathologic correlation. Radiographics. 2004; 24:565–558.
2. Park JJ, Wolff BG, Tollefson MK, Walsh EE, Larson DR. Meckel diverticulum: the Mayo Clinic experience with 1476 patients (1950-2002). Ann Surg. 2005; 241:529–533.
3. Lichtstein DM, Herskowitz B. Massive gastrointestinal bleeding from Meckel’s diverticulum in a 91-year-old man. South Med J. 1998; 91:753–754.
4. Stone PA, Hofeldt MJ, Lohan JA, Kessel JW, Flaherty SK. A rare case of massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage caused by Meckel's diverticulum in a 53-year-old man. W V Med J. 2005; 101:64–66.
5. Lee JS, Moon W, Park SJ, Park MI, Kim KJ, Lee SH, et al. Hemorrhagic Meckel's diverticulum in an older woman diagnosed by repeated angiographies. Turk J Gastroenterol. 2009; 20:282–286.
6. Kopácová M, Vykouril L, Vacek Z, Tycová V, Bártová J, Rejchrt S, et al. Inverted Meckel's diverticulum with ectopic pancreatic tissue as a source of severe gastrointestinal bleeding. J Gastrointest Surg. 2010; 14:578–581.
7. Ali M, Sayani R, Azeemuddin M, Tanveer-ul-Haq , Khan R. An unsuspected bleeding Meckel’s diverticulum in an adult detected on mesenteric angiography. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2013; 23:759–760.
8. Liu X, Chan DK, Tan KK. Angioembolisation of a bleeding Meckel’s diverticulum. J Gastrointest Surg. 2015; 19:2286–2287.
9. Mitchell AW, Spencer J, Allison DJ, Jackson JE. Meckel's diverticulum: angiographic findings in 16 patients. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1998; 170:1329–1333.
10. Okazaki M, Higashihara H, Yamasaki S, Akita Y, Toriya H, Shirai Z. Arterial embolization to control life-threatening hemorrhage from a Meckel's diverticulum. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1990; 154:1257–1258.
Full Text Links
  • JKSR
Actions
Cited
CITED
export Copy
Close
Share
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Similar articles
Copyright © 2024 by Korean Association of Medical Journal Editors. All rights reserved.     E-mail: koreamed@kamje.or.kr