Report of Meckel Diverticulum Mimicking Stricturing Crohn's Disease in an Adolescent Boy

Inflammatory bowel disease, specifically Crohn's disease (CD), can present with hematochezia, iron deficiency anemia, intestinal obstruction, elevated fecal calprotectin often overlapping with other conditions. We report a 16-year-old adolescent boy with presumed stricturing CD whose anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy failed to respond. Persistent iron deficiency anemia and elevated fecal calprotectin prompted reevaluation imaging, raising concerns for the Meckel diverticulum. Surgical resection resulted in resolution of anemia. This case highlights the importance of reassessing a diagnosis in refractory cases. Providers should consider the Meckel diverticulum as a diagnosis that can mimic CD especially if the course is refractory to treatment.