Sonographic Detection of a Torsed Meckel’s Diverticulum Misinterpreted as Acute Appendicitis

• Main Authors: Justin Choi, Nicole Dorinzi, Justine Pagenhardt, Anthony Steratore, Melinda Sharon, Joseph Minardi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: eScholarship Publishing, University of California 2019-08-01
• Series: Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
• Online Access: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0mp4q2r0

A 38-year-old female presented to the emergency department (ED) with acute-onset right lower quadrant abdominal pain following two days of nausea and vomiting. Physical examination revealed right lower quadrant tenderness to palpation, rebound tenderness, and guarding. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) of the right lower abdomen was performed and interpreted as probable appendicitis. However, upon laparoscopic examination of the abdomen, a benign-appearing appendix was visualized. Further investigation revealed the source of the patient’s pain to be a torsed Meckel’s diverticulum. Although rare, a torsed and inflamed Meckel’s diverticulum can be visualized by POCUS in the ED without the need for further imaging or delay.