Paediatrics: Meckel's Diverticulum: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Meckel’s Diverticulum🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this common GI congenital anomaly – perfect for exam prep and real-life clinical scenarios.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• A congenital pouch in the distal ileum – a remnant of the vitelline (omphalomesenteric) duct.• Most common congenital GI abnormality.📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Due to failure of the vitelline duct to regress during fetal development• Risk factors:– Male sex (M:F ratio up to 4:1)– Age <2 years (peak presentation)– Ectopic tissue (gastric or pancreatic) increases riskMnemonic: Rule of 2s→ Affects 2% of population, 2 feet from ileocaecal valve, 2 inches long, presents by age 2, 2 types of ectopic tissue.📌 Pathophysiology• Ectopic gastric tissue secretes acid → ulcerates adjacent ileum → bleeding• Diverticulum may inflame, twist, obstruct or perforate📌 Symptoms• Often asymptomatic• Classic triad:– Painless rectal bleeding (bright red or maroon)– Abdominal pain (appendicitis-like)– Bowel obstruction signs (vomiting, distension, constipation)• Red currant jelly stools if intussusception occurs📌 Differential Diagnosis• Appendicitis• Intussusception• IBD (esp. Crohn’s)• Peptic ulcer disease• Small bowel obstruction📌 Diagnosis• Technetium-99m pertechnetate scan = detects ectopic gastric mucosa (Meckel’s scan)• Abdo US/CT for obstruction or intussusception• Capsule endoscopy or angiography in some cases📌 Management• Asymptomatic: Observe if no high-risk features• Symptomatic: Surgical resection (laparoscopic preferred)– Stabilise first (e.g. IV fluids, blood transfusion)– Remove diverticulum ± adjacent bowel• High-risk asymptomatic cases: Resect if:– Patient <50– Diverticulum >2 cm– Narrow neck or ectopic tissue– Fibrous bands present📌 Complications• GI bleeding• Intestinal obstruction (volvulus, intussusception, adhesions)• Diverticulitis• Perforation• Umbilical sinus or fistula (if vitelline duct remains patent)📌 Prognosis• Excellent with early diagnosis and management• Lifetime complication risk: 4–6% (mostly before age 2)📎 More MSRA Resources for Meckel’s Diverticulum📝 Revision Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/meckels-diverticulum-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/meckels-diverticulum-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/meckels-diverticulum-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/meckels-diverticulum-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Course:https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/paediatrics-for-the-msra/📝 Quiz Access:https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/meckels-diverticulum/Hashtags#MSRA #MSRARevision #MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQandANotes #MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #Paediatrics #MeckelsDiverticulum