Patent omphalomesenteric duct demonstrated by intestinal transit scintigraphy

Patency of the omphalomesenteric duct is a rare congenital condition. It results from incomplete obliteration of the omphalomesenteric duct lumen during fetal life. Patent omphalomesenteric duct may be associated with umbilical discharge. We report on a 1-month-old patient, with discharging umbilicus, due to a patent omphalomesenteric duct. The correct diagnosis was suggested by intestinal transit scintigraphy, which demonstrated the presence of leakage of a radioactive meal into the gauze covering the umbilicus. In this patient, ultrasonographic examination was inconclusive and fistulogram failed to reveal any abnormality.