Demonstration of bleeding from Meckel's diverticulum by means of selective arteriography of the superior mesenteric artery.

The diagnosis of a bleeding Meckel's diverticulum was made in a young man who presented several episodes of rectal bleeding over a period of 3 years. Attempted diagnosis by barium studies did not reveal the diverticulum. Angiography of the superior mesenteric artery revealed a wide and tortuous ileal branch -and at its distal end extravasation of contrast medium, within the walls of the diverticulum. It is suggested that in case of major bleeding from the lower GI tract, arteriography should be performed before other contrast medium studies.