Meckel’s Diverticulum Scan – Details & Precautions

A Meckel’s Scan, also known as a Meckel’s Diverticulum Scintigraphy, is a nuclear medicine test used to detect Meckel’s diverticulum, a congenital condition where a small pouch forms in the lower small intestine. This pouch may contain gastric (stomach) tissue, which can produce acid and cause ulcers, bleeding, or pain.

Details of a Meckel’s Scan

Purpose

• Detects Meckel’s diverticulum containing gastric mucosa, which may cause bleeding in children and adults.
• Evaluates unexplained gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, especially in young patients.
• Helps diagnose abdominal pain and anemia due to hidden blood loss.

Procedure

1. Radioactive Tracer Injection

   • A small amount of Technetium-99m pertechnetate is injected into a vein.
   • This tracer is absorbed by gastric mucosa (stomach lining), including any misplaced stomach tissue inside a Meckel’s diverticulum.

2. Imaging Process

   • You will lie still under a gamma camera.
   • The camera captures images of the abdomen over 30–60 minutes to track how the tracer is absorbed.
   • Additional delayed images may be taken if necessary.

3. Completion

   • The scan results help identify abnormal gastric tissue, confirming the presence of Meckel’s diverticulum.

Precautions for a Meckel’s Scan

Before the Test

✅ Fasting:

• Avoid eating or drinking for 4–6 hours before the scan.

✅ Medication Restrictions:

• Your doctor may ask you to stop medications that affect gastric acid secretion, such as:
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) (e.g., omeprazole, pantoprazole).
  • H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine).
  • Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, scopolamine).

✅ Recent Barium Studies:

• If you had a barium X-ray, wait a few days, as leftover contrast may interfere with results.

✅ Pregnancy/Breastfeeding:

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the radioactive tracer may affect the baby.

During the Test

• Lie still to avoid blurry images.
• Inform the technician if you feel nausea, dizziness, or discomfort.

After the Test

✅ Drink plenty of water to flush out the radioactive tracer.
✅ No major restrictions, but follow your doctor’s advice.
✅ Avoid close contact with infants or pregnant women for a few hours if advised.