Emergency radionuclide demonstration of Meckels diverticulum in a patient with perforated ulcer and massive rectal bleedings

A 10-month-old infant was treated for lifethreatening rectal bleeding caused by a perforated ulcer in Meckel's diverticulum. Radionuclide imaging with sup(99m)Tc-pertechnetate was used to demonstrate the diverticulum preoperatively. Early intervention is desirable to avoid uncontrollable bleeding or complications such as perforation in cases of Meckel's diverticula. Sup(99m)Tc-pertechnetate imaging as recommended today requires prolonged fasting, and its use in emergency situations may be questioned. This case, however, illustrates the usefulness of radionuclide imaging on an emergency basis as well as in the daily routine. (author)