Meckel diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract, occurring in about 2 percent of the population. It is a small, blind pouch that protrudes from the wall of the ileum (the last section of the small intestine), representing a remnant of the embryonic yolk stalk. Most Meckel diverticula cause no symptoms, but some can lead to bleeding, obstruction, or inflammation (diverticulitis) that may mimic appendicitis. On ultrasound, a Meckel diverticulum is difficult to visualize directly but may be suggested by findings such as a blind-ending, fluid-filled tubular structure in the right lower abdomen, or signs of intussusception that it has triggered.
Sonography Term