Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting from incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct. Typically located within 2 feet of the ileocecal valve, it occurs in approximately 2% of the population. While often asymptomatic and most commonly diagnosed in pediatric patients, Meckel's diverticulum in adults is rare and frequently presents with complications such as obstruction, inflammation, ischemia, or perforation. Its non-specific clinical presentation in adults can make diagnosis challenging and often delays definitive management until surgical exploration is performed. Oftentimes, imaging can be non-specific; as in this case, it supported a mesenteric cyst more than a Meckel’s diverticulum. This report highlights a case of a 54-year-old male who presented with vague abdominal symptoms and was subsequently diagnosed through imaging and successfully treated with surgical removal of a 12×11×8 cm giant Meckel’s diverticulum, defined as any diverticulum larger than 5 cm. This report aimed to increase clinical awareness of Meckel's diverticulum in adults and reinforce the need for early detection and prompt surgical intervention in complicated cases.
Nobles et al. (Wed,) studied this question.