What is false about Meckel’s diveiculitis?
First, the core concept. Meckel's diverticulum is a remnant of the vitelline duct, a congenital anomaly. It's the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. It can cause complications like diverticulitis, which is similar to colonic diverticulitis but occurs in the ileum.
The correct answer is the false statement. Common incorrect facts might include things like it being a true diverticulum (but actually, it's a false diverticulum), or that it's lined by colonic mucosa (but it's lined by gastric or pancreatic tissue). Also, some might think it's more common in women, but it's actually more common in males. The false statement could be about the age of presentation—Meckel's diverticulitis often presents in adults, but it's more commonly diagnosed in children, so that might be a false statement.
For the wrong options, they might include correct facts like the 2% incidence, or that it's located in the ileum. Another wrong option could be about the treatment—laparoscopic surgery is common, so if an option says open surgery is preferred, that's incorrect.
The clinical pearl would be that Meckel's diverticulum is a false diverticulum, not a true one, and that it's lined by heterotopic tissue. Also, the rule of 2s: 2% of population, 2 feet from ileocecal valve, etc.
Putting this together, the false statement could be something like "Meckel's diverticulum is a true diverticulum," which is incorrect because it's a false diverticulum. So the correct answer would be that statement.
**Core Concept**
Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital, false diverticulum of the ileum resulting from incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct. It contains only mucosa and submucosa, lacks muscularis propria, and may harbor ectopic gastric or pancreatic tissue. Diverticulitis in this structure mimics appendicitis but occurs in the ileum.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The false statement is **"Meckel's diverticulum is a true diverticulum."** A true diverticulum includes all layers of the intestinal wall. Meckel's diverticulum lacks muscularis propria, making it a **false (pseudodiverticulum)**. It is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting ~2% of the population.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *"Meckel's diverticulitis presents with right lower quadrant pain"* – Correct. It clinically resembles appendicitis.
**Option B:** *"It is located 2 feet proximal to the ileocecal valve"* – Correct. Classic anatomical landmark.
**Option C:** *"Ectopic gastric tissue is a common cause of complications"* – Correct. Gastric acid from ectopic tissue can erode