Ruptured Meckel's diverticulum in a healthy young adult: a rare cause of acute abdomen and bowel perforation.

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, though it rarely presents with perforation in adulthood. Clinical presentation may often mimic more benign conditions, delaying diagnosis.We present the case of a healthy male patient in his early thirties who presented with abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting, following a few days of loose stools attributed to viral gastroenteritis. The patient was haemodynamically stable apart from mild tachycardia. Computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed pneumoperitoneum and free pelvic fluid, suggesting bowel perforation. Urgent diagnostic laparoscopy revealed a perforated Meckel's diverticulum, prompting segmental small bowel resection and primary anastomosis. The patient recovered uneventfully. Histopathology confirmed a perforated Meckel's diverticulum with ectopic gastric mucosa.Meckel's diverticulum should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bowel perforation, even in healthy adults presenting with nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms. Prompt cross-sectional imaging and timely surgical intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes.