Radiographic Appearance of Meckel Diverticulum

Meckel diverticulum was first described in 1809 by Johann Friedrick Meckel.1 Occurring in 2% to 3% of the population, it is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract.2 Meckel diverticulum is located on the antimesenteric border of the small bowel within 100 cm of the ileocecal valve and contains all layers of the small bowel wall. Meckel diverticulum commonly contains heterotopic mucosa, usually gastric. The diverticulum is the result of incomplete atrophy of the omphalomesenteric duct, which is the embryonic connection between the developing midgut and the yolk sac, during fetal development. Incomplete resolution of the omphalomesenteric duct leads to five anomalies, listed here in order from most to least common: Meckel diverticulum, representing 98% of all omphalomesenteric duct anomalies;3 Fibrous connection of the ileum to the umbilicus; Omphalomesenteric duct cyst; Omphalomesenteric duct sinus; and Umbilicoileal fistula.