Cause of “bloody” vomitus in a neonate
**Core Concept**
Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly of the small intestine, resulting from the incomplete closure of the vitelline duct. This remnant can cause various symptoms due to its potential to develop into a true diverticulum, containing ectopic gastric or pancreatic tissue. The ectopic gastric mucosa within Meckel's diverticulum can lead to the production of gastric acid, causing complications such as ulceration, bleeding, and obstruction.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The presence of ectopic gastric mucosa in Meckel's diverticulum can lead to the production of gastric acid, which can cause ulceration and bleeding in the adjacent intestinal tissue. This bleeding can lead to the presence of "bloody" vomitus in a neonate. The bleeding can also be due to the acid production causing erosion of the intestinal mucosa, leading to melena or hematemesis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Intussusception is a condition where one segment of the intestine "telescopes" into another, leading to bowel obstruction and potential ischemia. While it can cause vomiting, the vomitus is typically not "bloody" due to the lack of ectopic gastric mucosa.
**Option B:** Intussusception is a condition where one segment of the intestine "telescopes" into another, leading to bowel obstruction and potential ischemia. While it can cause vomiting, the vomitus is typically not "bloody" due to the lack of ectopic gastric mucosa.
**Option C:** Malrotation is a congenital anomaly of the small intestine where the mesentery is attached to the wrong location, leading to potential volvulus and ischemia. The vomiting associated with malrotation is typically bilious and non-bloody due to the obstruction of the small intestine.
**Option D:** Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, typically due to gallstones. The symptoms of cholecystitis include right upper quadrant pain, fever, and jaundice. Cholecystitis is not typically associated with "bloody" vomitus in a neonate.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the small intestine and is a common cause of gastrointestinal bleeding in neonates. It is essential to consider Meckel's diverticulum in the differential diagnosis of a neonate presenting with "bloody" vomitus.
β Correct Answer: A. Meckel's diverticulum