Bleeding Meckel's diverticulum diagnosed with 99mTc-pertechnetate.

The diagnosis of bleeding Meckel's diverticulum in an 11 year old boy, an 8 year old girl and a 2 1/2 year old boy, was established preoperatively using 99mTc-pertechnetate. These abdominal scannings were of value in the management of patients with rectal bleeding after ruling out other disorders by hematologic tests, usual radiologic studies and endoscopic examinations. To reduce ambiguities, the scanning was performed with the child in a fasting state and a nasogastric tube was led into the stomach to minimize volume and flow of radioactive gastric juice into the intestinal tract. Based on our experiences and review of reported cases, applicability of the scanning in the management of patients with Meckel's diverticulum is discussed.