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Meckel’s diverticulum is a birth defect that occurs at the end of the ileum. This diverticulum is a remnant of the yolk-intestinal tract that is present in the womb. What are the causes of this developmental defect. How to recognize the symptoms of Meckel’s diverticulum and what are the possible complications of this ailment?
What is Meckel’s diverticulum?
Meckel’s diverticulum or ileal diverticulum is a remnant of the yolk-intestinal tract from the period of fetal life. This tube is responsible for providing nutrients early in the fetal life. As the embryo develops, the duct disappears until it is completely overgrown by the 7th week of pregnancy. Meckel’s diverticulum may be likened to a pocket within the small intestine. Meckel’s diverticulum is located in the small intestine. In children, it is about 50 centimeters from the ileocecal valve, while in adults it is about 100 centimeters. Within the Meckel’s diverticulum there may be tissue in the stomach or pancreas that secrete hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. These compounds, in turn, can cause Meckel’s diverticulitis leading to bleeding as well as perforation of the intestinal wall.
Meckel’s diverticulum – are the causes of the defect known?
Meckel’s diverticulum is congenital, but so far, no factors have been identified that could increase the risk of this abnormality. Research on Meckel’s diverticulum found no relationship between the defect and race, but there are some inaccuracies between the occurrence of Meckel’s diverticulum and the gender of the person with the defect. In the context of age, however, only differences in the symptoms of Meckel’s diverticulum in children and adults are indicated. There are currently no known methods to prevent the appearance of Meckel’s diverticulum.
Meckel’s diverticulum – symptoms
The symptoms of Meckel’s diverticulum appear in 25% of people who have this birth defect. The remaining patients do not struggle with any unpleasant ailments resulting from the presence of Meckel’s diverticulum. It is worth noting, however, that unpleasant symptoms or ailments appear mainly when there are serious complications within the Meckel’s diverticulum. Patients may then develop ulceration, inflammation, bleeding or intestinal obstruction. Symptoms of Meckel’s diverticulum most often appear in children under the age of 2. The occurrence of symptoms is much less common in adults. In the most severe cases, there is the so-called sharp abdomen associated with severe pain and tension in the abdominal muscles. In this situation, as a rule, surgical intervention turns out to be necessary.
Meckel’s diverticulum – complications
The symptoms of Meckel’s diverticulum are strongly related to its complications. Complications of Meckel’s diverticulum include:
- gastrointestinal bleeding – this usually occurs when Meckel’s diverticulum is lined with the gastric mucosa, and the hydrochloric acid secreted by the mucosa begins to damage the diverticulum and the small intestine. Tissue ulceration then develops, which in turn is manifested by bleeding. Bleeding in the digestive tract can be recognized by the presence of blood in the stools. It is often visible to the naked eye, but it is often necessary to have proper stool tests done.
- Meckel’s diverticulitis – Inflammation occurs when the diverticulum has a narrowed base or large size. With Meckel’s diverticulitis, there is a sharp pain in the abdomen, tenderness around the navel, as well as nausea and vomiting;
- Bowel obstruction – This is a rare complication of Meckel’s diverticulum that occurs when the diverticulum is the forehead of intussusception or when the bowel twists around the diverticulum. The obstruction is manifested by severe abdominal pain, vomiting, weakness and gastrointestinal bleeding.
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