Slow-release potassium and perforation of Meckel's diverticulum.

A case of peritonitis following perforation of gastric-type mucosa in a Meckel's diverticulum is described. At laparotomy a wax core of a combined diuretic-slow-release potassium preparation was found extruding through the perforation and a further pellet was found free in the peritoneal cavity. Intestinal perforation due to potassium-containing drugs is recognized and led to the development of enteric-coated and slow-release delivery systems. The association of perforation of Meckel's diverticulum with a slow-release potassium perforation has not previously been described.