Systematic review of Meckel's diverticulum in pregnancy

Midgut Volvulus in Disguise: Acute Abdomen in Early Pregnancy

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) in pregnancy is a challenging diagnosis. Case rarity, non-specific presentations, and the non-practicality of using X-ray/gamma-ray imaging modalities in pregnancy contribute to the increased difficulty in timely diagnosing midgut volvulus during pregnancy, thereby increasing maternal and fetal morbidity. We report a case of midgut volvulus in a 39-year-old lady, gravida 3, para 2, with two previous cesarean sections. Her only presenting complaint was abdominal pain for three days with no other associated symptoms. The case was successfully diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and subsequently treated surgically by segmental resection with side-to-side ileocecal anastomosis, thereby saving the mother and fetus. Clinicians should have a low threshold of suspicion of the varied causes of SBO in pregnancy, particularly in patients with prior abdominopelvic surgeries. Imaging is central to preoperative diagnosis, and MRI has gained popularity with safety and accuracy comparable to computed tomography. Management aims at minimizing maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

Acute abdomen in third trimester of pregnancy-a rare case of perforated Meckel's diverticulitis

Acute abdomen in pregnancy presents many diagnostic challenges. Non-specific symptoms, anatomical and physiological changes and diagnostic imaging limitations lead to diagnostic uncertainty and delayed diagnosis and treatment. Meckel's diverticulitis in pregnancy is extremely rare with only 27 cases reported in literature, only 11 of which are found to be perforated intraoperatively. We present a rare case of a patient in third trimester of pregnancy with perforated Meckel's diverticulitis.

Meckel's Diverticulum as a Cause of Small Bowel Obstruction Complicated with Gangrene in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy: A Case Report

Acute abdomen during pregnancy is rare. Despite advances in diagnostic imaging, preoperative diagnosis in the pregnant population due to anatomical and physiological changes can pose difficulties. Diagnosis and surgery delays increase the risk of adverse outcomes for both maternal and fetal health. In symptomatic cases, explorative surgery might be essential for correct diagnosis and patient treatment. Here, we present Meckel's diverticulum as an unusual cause of small bowel obstruction complicated with gangrene in a 34-week pregnant patient. The diagnosis was only apparent during explorative surgical laparotomy.

Meckel’s Diverticulum: The “Great Mimic” but Often a Forgotten Cause of Acute Abdomen during Pregnancy

Meckel's diverticulitis is an extremely rare event during pregnancy. Its diagnosis is often difficult and can result in higher maternal and fetal morbimortality. We describe a case of a 40-year-old healthy pregnant woman at 33 weeks of gestation who presented with abdominal pain and tender abdomen, leukocytosis, and elevated PCR. The imagiological exams were not conclusive. After an urgent caesarean section due to worsening of clinical status and nonreassuring fetal well-being, a laparotomy revealed a distended, necrotic, and perforated Meckel's diverticulum.