Massive bleeding in an adult patient suffering from Meckel's diverticulum

The case of a 22-year-old male who bled from a Meckel's diverticulum is des cribed. The diagnosis was achieved after (99m)Technetium pertechnetate scin tigraphy. With the administration of somatostatin very clear images were ob tained. The histological examination confirmed the presence of ectopic gast ric mucosa. The literature, over the last 10 years, has been reviewed to id entify factors associated with bleeding in adults. Ectopic gastric mucosa i s the most important factor predicting bleeding. The diagnostic approach to bleeding Meckel's diverticulum and the improvement in the quality of (99m) Technetium pertechnetate scintigraphy, following administration of somatost atin, is discussed.