Perforation of Meckel's Diverticulum by a Peanut Presenting as a Mesentery Abscess.

BACKGROUND

Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum by a foreign body in children is rarely reported and is usually associated with localized or generalized fibropurulent peritonitis.

CASE PRESENTATION: The authors encountered such a case in a 4-year-old boy with perforation of Meckel's diverticulum by a piece of peanut presenting as a mesentery abscess. The diverticulum was wide-based and histology showed a transmural perforation at the tip of the diverticulum.

CONCLUSION

Local inflammation due to irritation of the foreign body and progressive pressure necrosis at the tip of the diverticulum may be the pathogenesis of mesentery abscess. A search of the English literature did not reveal any similar case.