Perforated Meckel’s Diverticulum in an Infant: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract, but perforation of this diverticulum is a rare complication, especially in infants. Diagnosing this complication before surgery can be difficult, and it is typically confirmed through laparotomy. This report describes an eight-month-old female infant who was brought to the emergency department with a history of persistent crying, fever, vomiting, and one occurrence of currant jelly stool in the past 12 hours. A physical examination revealed abdominal distension, tenderness, and rigidity. An abdominal ultrasound indicated free intra-abdominal fluid containing micro-echoic elements. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, during which pus was found in the abdominal cavity. A perforated MD was identified, located 60 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. An enterectomy and end-to-end anastomosis were performed to remove the perforated diverticulum. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the infant was discharged on the eighth postoperative day. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of a perforated MD with ectopic gastric mucosa. This report summarizes and characterizes the presentation, diagnosis, and management of this rare complication.