Diagnoses of false negative Meckel's diverticulum in a 14 month old boy using radioisotope scanning

Abstract

A 14-month-old boy with painless rectal bleeding for two days was referred to our department. He had an equivocal Meckel's diverticulum which showed rapid washout of activity on radioisotope scan. This scintigraphic finding was later confirmed on surgery and histopathologically. Radioisotope scanning with pertechnetate is a simple, non-invasive and valuable test for pre-operative diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum. However, rapid Tc99m-pertechnetate washout may be one of false negative causes. if in doubt, study should be repeated the next day and it is more convenient to image patient in prone position and dynamic oblique views should be taken.