Perforation of Meckel’s diverticulum in a very low birth weight neonate with severe pneumoperitoneum and review of literature

Özet

Perforation is a rare complication of Meckel’s diverticulum (MD), but it couldbe severe, even life-threatening for pediatric patients. There is a paucity ofdata on etiology of perforation, as well as clinical manifestations, managementand prognosis in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates with perforated MD.We report a rare case of spontaneously perforated MD in a VLBW neonatepresenting with severe pneumoperitoneum. To our knowledge, this is one ofthe earliest reported VLBW cases with this rare complication. Furthermore,we review relevant publications and summarize major characteristics of allVLBW cases previously reported in order to provide some practical experienceand interesting issues for pediatricians. Perforated MD should be kept in mindwhen VLBW neonates present with pneumoperitoneum.