Association of Meckel's diverticulum and Crohn's disease.

A significant association between Meckel's diverticulum and Crohn's disease has been suggested in the clinical literature. Ten patients with entities demonstrated radiographically as well as cases reported in the literature were analyzed to determine the relevance of this association to radiologic evaluation. The Meckel's diverticulum in most cases was an incidental finding whereas the Crohn's disease usually accounted for the patient's clinical symptoms. Recognition of this association should prevent unnecessary laparotomy for an incidental Meckel's diverticulum and improve the radiographic diagnosis of coexistent Crohn's disease.