Rare Mesenteric Location of Meckel's Diverticulum, A Forgotten Entity: A Case Study Aboard USS Kitty Hawk

Abstract

The traditional understanding of Meckel's diverticulum has always emphasized its antimesenteric location, ever since its original description in 1809. We report the finding of an acutely inflamed mass located on the mesenteric aspect of the distal ileum, which was discovered during a celiotomy performed aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. Pathological features of this unusual mass, including focal submucosal abscess formation, proximity to the ileocecal valve, and heterotopic gastric tissue are all characteristics of inflammatory Meckel's diverticulum. The atypical intraoperative finding of a desmoplastic reaction associated with this lesions is discussed within the context of a pertinent differential diagnosis. In addition, both the pathological characteristics and the unusual location of this mass are the basis for a discussion that revisits a 50-year-old surgical controversy regarding Meckel's diverticulum.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA448310

Entities

People

  • Dan S. Albretch
  • Eric A. Elster
  • Kris M. Belland
  • Scott D. Segal

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abscesses
  • Aircraft Carriers
  • Anesthesia
  • Biomedical Research
  • Blood Cells
  • Case Studies
  • Cell Count
  • Combat Injuries
  • Diverticulum
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases
  • Gastrointestinal Tract
  • Ileum
  • Navy Aircraft
  • Pain
  • Small Intestine
  • Uss Kitty Hawk
  • Wounds And Injuries

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
  • Trauma Surgery or Emergency Medicine.