Which imaging test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing Meckel's diverticulum?

The gold standard for diagnosing Meckel's diverticulum is the Technetium-99m pertechnetate scan, also known as a Meckel's scan. This nuclear medicine test is specifically designed to detect ectopic gastric mucosa, which is often present in Meckel's diverticulum.

In this imaging technique, a radioactive tracer (technetium-99m) is used, which preferentially accumulates in tissues containing gastric mucosa. Since Meckel's diverticulum can contain ectopic gastric tissue, the scan will show an area of increased uptake, indicating the presence of the diverticulum. This ability to identify the specific pathology associated with Meckel's diverticulum makes it the most reliable and definitive imaging method.

Other imaging options may be useful in different contexts, but they lack the specificity of the Technetium-99m pertechnetate scan for diagnosing this particular condition. For instance, ultrasound and CT scans can provide useful anatomical information but may not specifically identify ectopic gastric tissue. X-rays are generally not useful in diagnosing Meckel’s diverticulum. Thus, the Meckel's scan stands out as the best diagnostic tool for this condition.