Clinical Report: Complex Meckel's Diverticulum Presenting as Gastroenteritis

Overview

This case study details a 2-year-11-month-old girl whose initial diagnosis of gastroenteritis rapidly progressed to septic shock due to a strangulated Meckel's diverticulum. The report emphasizes the importance of recognizing red flags in pediatric patients to prevent severe outcomes.

Background

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital gastrointestinal anomaly in children, occurring in approximately 2% of the population. Its symptoms often mimic benign conditions, leading to diagnostic challenges that can result in severe complications. Awareness of Meckel's diverticulum is crucial for emergency physicians and pediatricians to ensure timely intervention.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• The patient initially presented with symptoms resembling acute gastroenteritis.
• Rapid clinical deterioration occurred within 12 hours, leading to septic shock.
• Emergency CT revealed small bowel obstruction and a mid-abdominal mass.
• Laparotomy identified a strangulated Meckel's diverticulum with ileal necrosis.
• Postoperative complications included refractory septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Clinical Implications

This case underscores the necessity for healthcare providers to maintain a high index of suspicion for Meckel's diverticulum in pediatric patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms. Prompt recognition of red flags can facilitate timely surgical intervention, potentially preventing catastrophic outcomes.

Conclusion

The rapid progression of this case highlights the critical need for awareness of Meckel's diverticulum in children. Early surgical evaluation is essential in cases of suspected gastrointestinal obstruction or systemic toxicity.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Meckel's diverticulum complicated by a congenital intestinal adhesive band: a case report and literature review
2. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Inverted U-Shaped Relationship Between Diverticular Width and Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Symptomatic Meckel's Diverticulum Children: A Retrospective Single-Center Study
3. Frontiers in Surgery, 2026 -- Management of incidentally diagnosed Meckel's diverticulum in pediatric patients: A questionnaire survey and a literature review
4. BMJ Best Practice US -- Meckel diverticulum - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
5. JAMA Network -- Caring for Pediatric Patients With Sepsis | Guidelines
6. Frontiers in Pediatrics — Ischemic colitis in a child: a case report and narrative review
7. BMJ Best Practice - Meckel diverticulum
8. JAMA Network - Guidelines for Pediatric Sepsis
9. Single-incision versus conventional multiport laparoscopic-assisted surgery for Meckel’s diverticulum in children: a single-center propensity score analysis | BMC Pediatrics | Springer Nature Link