Which symptom is most commonly associated with a Meckel diverticulum?

Meckel diverticulum is a congenital abnormality that arises from incomplete obliteration of the omphalomesenteric duct, leading to the presence of a small pouch at the junction of the ileum and the colon. Of the symptoms associated with Meckel diverticulum, abdominal pain and rectal bleeding are indeed the most common.

Abdominal pain often occurs due to various complications such as volvulus, obstruction, or inflammation of the diverticulum. Rectal bleeding is particularly noteworthy because Meckel diverticulum may contain ectopic gastric tissue, which can secrete acid and lead to mucosal ulceration and resultant bleeding. This bleeding may present as red or maroon-colored blood in the stool, which is a key indicator prompting further investigation.

Other options do not typically align with the classic presentations of Meckel diverticulum. Pain during urination may suggest urinary tract issues rather than gastrointestinal ones. Frequent vomiting is generally associated with obstruction or other gastrointestinal disorders, and while severe constipation can occur in various conditions, it is not a hallmark symptom of Meckel diverticulum. Therefore, the combination of abdominal pain and rectal bleeding is the most characteristic presentation of this condition.