Intussusception in adults

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

10-1-1999

Journal

Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine

Volume

66

Issue

5-6

Keywords

Barium enema; Intussusception; Small bowel obstruction

Abstract

Intussusception in adults is a rare entity that it is generally caused by definable intraluminal pathology. We report four cases of adult intussusception caused by lymphoma of the terminal ileum (2), an inflamed appendix (1) and a mucosal polyp (1). All presented with a variety of nonspecific and chronic symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, consistent with partial small bowel obstruction. Only one patient had palpable masses in the abdomen. The most useful diagnostic radiological method was computed tomography (CT), which showed "target" lesions. The presence of the characteristic "target" lesion may obviate the need for further studies, including a barium enema. As in the cases reported here, treatment involves more than simple reduction; surgical resection is usually indicated.

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