Spontaneously perforated Meckel's diverticulum due to diverticulitis with histopathological finding of gastric mucosa in an adult female - A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Meckel's Diverticulum (MD) is the most occurring congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. It characterizes a patent remnant of the omphalomesenteric duct. Despite remaining asymptomatic most of the time, the rarity of its occurrence is reflected by the scarcity of data involving it in the literature. Gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, and inflammation are the most prevalent complications of MD. Perforation of MD is very rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a previously healthy 32-year-old female, who presented to the emergency department with a 2-day-history of generalized abdominal pain. Radiological analysis suggested a perforated viscus and an inflamed Appendix. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Our patient was diagnosed preoperatively with perforated hollow viscus and an exploratory laparotomy was indicated. Intraoperatively, a perforated MD was found and treated by surgical excision of the affected loop of bowel with end-to-end anastomosis and the specimens were sent for histopathological analysis. Histopathology revealed a perforated MD containing gastric mucosa. The patient had successful recovery. CONCLUSION: Early recognition with swift surgical intervention must take place to provide therapeutic outcome for patients and to limit the resulting morbidity. This case highlights the necessity of considering MD as core differential diagnosis in patients with acute abdomen. Due to the scarcity of data on perforated MDs in adult females, it's worthy of studying to highlight its incidence. Due to the rarity of a perforated MD in an adult female, it's worthy to consider such cases to explore preoperative assessment techniques, surgical interventions options, and postoperative complications.