Prevalence of Meckel's Diverticulum
Meckel's diverticulum is present in approximately 2% of the general population, making it the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. 1, 2
Epidemiological Data
The prevalence is consistently reported at 2-3% across multiple studies, with most sources converging on the 2% figure 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
The condition occurs with equal frequency in both males and females, though males are more likely to develop symptomatic complications 2
Only 4-6% of individuals with Meckel's diverticulum will ever develop clinical symptoms during their lifetime, meaning the vast majority remain asymptomatic throughout life 3, 5
Age Distribution of Symptomatic Cases
60% of symptomatic patients present before 10 years of age, with the remainder manifesting in adolescence and adulthood 2
The probability of developing complications decreases significantly with advancing age, which explains why diagnosis in adults is often incidental 3
Clinical Context
When Meckel's diverticulum does become symptomatic, the most common presentations are gastrointestinal bleeding (particularly in younger patients), small bowel obstruction, and diverticulitis 2, 3
The diverticulum accounts for a small but important proportion of small bowel obstructions, particularly in younger patients with unexplained obstruction, as it can cause volvulus around fibrous bands or entrapment of bowel 1, 7
In patients with Crohn's disease, the prevalence appears similar to the general population at approximately 1-2%, suggesting no increased association with inflammatory bowel disease 6
Important Clinical Pearls
Heterotopic gastric mucosa is frequently found within symptomatic diverticula, which explains the bleeding complications from peptic ulceration 2
The classic "rule of 2s" applies: 2% prevalence, typically located within 2 feet (60-100 cm) of the ileocecal valve, often 2 cm in length, and symptomatic in 2% of those affected 2, 5