Perforated Meckel's diverticulitis complicating pregnancy at 28 weeks' gestation misdiagnosed as appendicitis

Abstract

Perforated Meckel's diverticulum is an extremely rare cause of an acute abdomen in pregnancy. Its clinical presentation is similar to that of appendicitis and diagnosis is delayed in most cases. We present a patient who developed increasing abdominal pain and leukocytosis at 28 weeks of gestation. She was misdiagnosed with appendicular peritonitis until acute exploratory laparotomy. Regarding related published cases up to now, most cases did not make a correct preoperative diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum. This case suggests that Meckel's diverticulum in pregnancy may have serious consequences. A high index of suspicion and a low threshold for surgical intervention are required to minimize morbidity and mortality.