False-Positive Meckel's Diverticulum Scan of Nonpathologic Origin

Numerous articles have been published concerning the reliability and usefulness of 9 9 m Tcpertechnetate scanning to diagnose Meckel's diverticulum. The Meckel's diverticulum is an appendage of the ileum near the cecum. To be demonstrated by scanning, the Meckel's diverticulum must contain gastric mucosa which will actively concentrate and secrete the 9 9 m Tcpertechnetate. Meckel's diverticulum is not readily visualized by conventional radiographic techniques (1 ). Short of surgical exploration, the 99 m Tc-pertechnetate scan is currently probably the most reliable method for diagnosing the Meckel's diverticulum. One of the serious pitfalls of this study is the incidence of false-positive scans due to a variety of maladies: ulceration (peptic) of the small intestines, abdominal aneurysm, hemangioma in the small intestines, partial obstruction of a ureter resulting in accumulation of the isotope proximal to the site of obstruction, hydropelvis with collection of isotope in the dependent part of the renal pelvis, and abscesses in the right pelvic area (2). Strangulation of the bowel and intussusception may also cause false-positive findings in scanning for Meckel's diverticulum (1 ). We have encountered still another type of false-positive scan of nonpathologic origin.