Meckel's Scan

What is a Meckel’s scan?

A Meckel’s scan is an imaging test to look for or diagnose Meckel’s diverticulum (an irregular pouch in your small intestine). Some people are born with this irregularity in their small intestine.

Meckel’s scans are safe, minimally invasive tests. They can diagnose Meckel’s diverticulum but cannot diagnose other gastrointestinal (GI) diseases.

What is a nuclear medicine scan?

A Meckel’s scan (or Meckel scan) is a type of nuclear medicine imaging done in children. Nuclear imaging uses small amounts of radioactive material to identify issues inside of your body.

When is a Meckel’s scan performed?

Some people with a Meckel’s diverticulum never have any symptoms. But sometimes, people have abdominal pain or blood in their stool.

Up to half of the people with Meckel’s diverticulum symptoms are under age 10. If your child experiences symptoms, their healthcare provider may recommend a Meckel’s scan.

Can adults have a Meckel’s scan?

Some studies have shown that Meckel’s scans are about 90% accurate in children, but only about 50% accurate in adults. Although Meckel’s scans are safe for adults, your healthcare provider may use other diagnostic tests that are more accurate in adults.

If you have symptoms of a Meckel’s diverticulum as an adult, your healthcare provider may use:

• Balloon-assisted endoscopy: Using a small balloon and an endoscope (long, flexible scope) to treat difficult-to-access portions of your GI tract.
• Capsule endoscopy: Swallowing a small pill that contains a tiny camera to take pictures of your GI tract.
• CT scans: Taking a series of X-ray images from multiple angles to get a detailed scan of your intestines.

Who performs a Meckel’s diverticulum scan?

A radiologist performs a Meckel’s diverticulum scan. Radiologists have specialized training to take and analyze medical images.

How does a Meckel’s scan work?

Like other types of nuclear imaging, a Meckel’s scan uses a small dose of a radioactive substance (radiotracer). This radiotracer is called Technetium-99m. A radiologist uses a machine called a gamma camera to take pictures of your child’s stomach. If the image shows the Technetium-99m gathering in your child’s small intestine, your child may have Meckel’s diverticulum.

How do I prepare my child for a Meckel’s scan?

Before the test, talk with your child about what to expect. You may need to explain that it’s important to stay still. Let your child know you might not be in the same room during the test, but that you’ll be very nearby. During the test, you may need to wait in another room.

For Meckel’s scan preparation, your child should not eat or drink for four to six hours. They also cannot have any tests that use barium for at least 48 hours before a Meckel’s scan.

What to expect during a Meckel’s scan

Your child typically remains awake for a Meckel’s scan. If you think your child won’t be able to stay still or calm, let your healthcare provider know ahead of time. Your child’s healthcare provider may give a mild sedative to help them remain still and calm.

During the test:

1. Your child receives an intravenous (IV) line in their arm, hand or foot.
2. Your child lies on a table with a camera positioned overhead.
3. The radiotracer flows through the IV line.
4. A radiologist takes a series of images.

What can I expect after a Meckel’s scan?

Typically, your child can return home the same day as the scan. You don’t need to limit food or follow any special instructions afterward.

What are the risks?

Meckel’s scan risks are minimal. Your child might feel a little sore or have some minor bleeding where the radiologist placed the IV.

Meckel’s scans use radiation, but only in a very small dose. The amount of radiation is about equal to the radiation used during a chest X-ray. If your child’s healthcare provider recommends a Meckel’s scan, it means that they believe the test benefits outweigh the possible risks of radiation.

When should I know the results of a Meckel’s scan?

Usually, the radiologist shares your child’s test results with your child’s doctor the same day or within a few days.

If the scan shows that your child has a Meckel’s diverticulum, their healthcare provider may recommend surgery. If the test doesn’t show a Meckel’s diverticulum, your child may need more tests to find the cause of their symptoms.

What to ask your child’s healthcare provider

You may also want to ask your child’s healthcare provider:

• What’s the most likely cause of gastrointestinal symptoms?
• What imaging tests does my child need?
• Do I need to follow any special instructions to prepare for these tests?
• If my child does have a Meckel’s diverticulum, what are the treatment options?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Meckel’s scans are imaging tests. Healthcare providers use these scans to look for Meckel’s diverticulum. Children may need a Meckel’s scan if they have gastrointestinal symptoms such as belly pain or blood in their stool. During the test, your child receives a tiny dose of a radioactive substance. Then, a radiologist takes pictures of their abdomen. If a Meckel’s scan shows your child has a Meckel’s diverticulum, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery.