Prenatal diagnosis of Meckel’s diverticulum in a foetus

Background. Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is a remnant of the vitelline duct of the foetus and develops in the sixth week of embryogenesis. It is present in 2-3% of population and remains the most common anomaly of the digestive tract. There are only a few conf irmed cases detected prenatally. Description. We present a case study of a pregnant woman where from the 17 weeks’ pregnancy an anechoic area in the fetal abdomen was observed. During a routine ultrasound examination, a round cyst measuring 11.9 x 8.1 mm, with hyperechogenic thick walls was found just below the liver. In check- up scans conducted every three weeks, no progression was discovered. Conclusion. Our case is the only one in the literature documented so well by prenatal scans preformed every 3 weeks and followed up for three years from detection. Meckel’s diverticulum should be an element of differential diagnostics of intra-abdominal anechoic areas in a foetus.

Meckel’s diverticulum, digestive tract defects, diagnostics, prenatal ultrasound, case report