MECKELS-DIVERTICULUM - IMAGING DIAGNOSIS

Despite the availability and wide use of modern imaging techniques, th e diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum is difficult. The signs and sympt oms vary from none to those of an acute abdomen or gastrointestinal bl eeding. Findings on physical examination may be inconsistent because o f the variable location of the diverticulum, and bleeding may occur wi th no appreciable physical findings. Finally, small diverticula are of ten concealed by overlying small-bowel loops on routine small-bowel ba rium studies. The purposes of this article are to review the use of av ailable techniques for the imaging diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum, to discuss the relative advantages and indications for the various pr ocedures, and to emphasize the role each plays in specific clinical ci rcumstances. The embryology, anatomy, and clinical presentation of Mec kel's diverticulum are also briefly discussed.