Hirschsprung's disease, a rare precipitating factor in neonatal perforated Meckel's diverticulum

Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum (MD) during the neonatal period may occur in the presence of distal colon obstruction. Herein, we describe a unique case of a 2-day-old infant that presented with pneumoperitoneum, in which a perforated MD was induced by distal intestinal obstruction secondary to total colonic aganglionosis. In the setting of neonatal perforated MD found intraoperatively, the determination of the possible precipitating etiology is necessary. The clinical history of delayed passage of meconium is emphasized, and either a rectal or colon biopsy is recommended intraoperatively to avoid overlooking the associated presence of Hirschsprung's disease.