What is Meckel Diverticulum Nuclear Scan

Meckel diverticulum nuclear scan (technetium 99m pertechnetate scan) is a procedure that is used to check for a defect on the lower part of the small intestine.

This defect is called a Meckel diverticulum. It is a small area of swelling on the intestine wall. It looks like a sac or a pouch. The defect is present at birth (congenital). It usually does not cause symptoms or problems. However, the diverticulum contains a lining that is similar to the lining of the stomach.

This lining can produce an acid that can cause problems such as ulcers or bleeding. In that case, treatment is needed. Your health care provider may recommend this scan if you have symptoms such as pain in the lower abdomen or bleeding from the rectum.

For the procedure, a small amount of a radioactive material (tracer) is injected into your blood. This material will be drawn to the part of a diverticulum that produces acid. A scanner that detects the radioactive tracer is used to see if the tracer is collecting in the area of your small intestine, or in the right lower portion of your abdomen. If the tracer is collecting in that area, this may indicate that you have a Meckel diverticulum.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are breastfeeding.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Exposure to radiation (a small amount).
• Bleeding at the IV site.
• Infection at the IV site. This is rare.
• Allergic reaction to the radioactive material. This is rare.

What happens before the procedure?

• Ask your health care provider about changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
• You may be given a medicine to take for a couple days before the procedure. This medicine blocks the production of certain chemicals in your stomach that can interfere with the scan. Take this medicine as directed by your health care provider.
• Follow your health care provider’s instructions about eating or drinking restrictions. You may need to stop eating and drinking 4 hours before the procedure.

What happens during the procedure?

• An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.
• A small amount of radioactive tracer will be injected through the IV.
• Images of your abdomen will be taken as the radioactive tracer travels through your bloodstream. The images will be taken at 5-minute intervals throughout the procedure.
• At the end of the procedure, you may be asked to pass urine. Another image will be taken of your abdominal area after you urinate.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• Return to your normal activities and your normal diet as directed by your health care provider.
• The radioactive tracer will leave your body over the next few days. Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow. This will help flush the tracer out of your body.
• Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
  • When will my results be ready?
  • How will I get my results?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What other tests do I need?
  • What are my next steps?

Summary

• A Meckel diverticulum nuclear scan (technetium 99m pertechnetate scan) is a procedure that is used to check for an abnormality on the lower part of the small intestine called a Meckel diverticulum.
• The diverticulum contains a lining that is similar to the lining of the stomach. This lining can produce an acid that sometimes causes problems such as ulcers or bleeding.
• Your health care provider may recommend this scan if you have certain symptoms, such as pain in your lower abdomen or bleeding from the rectum.
• For the procedure, a small amount of a radioactive material (tracer) is injected into your blood. A scanner with a camera will detect if the tracer is collecting in a particular area of your body. This may indicate that you have a Meckel diverticulum.