Meckel diverticulum commonly presents with which symptom?

• A. Severe abdominal tenderness
• B. Painless rectal bleeding
• C. Bilious vomiting
• D. Chronic cough

Answer: (B)

Meckel diverticulum often contains ectopic gastric mucosa that can secrete acid, causing ulceration of the nearby ileal mucosa and resulting in painless lower GI bleeding. This painless hematochezia is the classic presentation in children. The other options point to conditions like acute inflammation, obstruction, or unrelated symptoms (severe tenderness, bilious vomiting, chronic cough) and don’t capture the typical Meckel presentation.