Bleeding Meckel Diverticulum: A Retrospective Analysis of Computed Tomography Enterography Findings.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the computed tomography enterography (CTE) characteristics of bleeding Meckel diverticulum.

METHODS

The CTE images of 35 patients with Meckel diverticulum and gastrointestinal bleeding were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Meckel diverticulum was visualized in 33 of 35 patients and located in the right lower abdomen (20/33), midline lower abdomen (8/33), left lower abdomen (3/33), or paramedially near the umbilicus (2/33). The Meckel diverticulum was visualized on the antimesenteric side of the ileum in 16 patients (48.5%) and pointed toward the umbilicus in 10 (30.3%). The diverticulum appeared as a blind-ended tubular (22/33 [66.7%]) or saccular (11/33 [33.3%]) bowel segment. Separated supplying vessel was identified in 15 patients (45.5%) and associated with diverticulum (P = 0.037). The ectopic tissue was pathologically confirmed in 11 (33.3%) of 33 patients and was associated with diverticular nodules (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness of CTE features could aid in the preoperative assessment of bleeding Meckel diverticulum.