What causes transient intussusception?

Uncommonly, transient but possibly recurrent intussusception is associated with celiac disease or Crohn disease. Intussusception without a lead point is known to appear as a non-obstructing segment, usually smaller in diameter and shorter than an intussusception with a lead point.

Can intussusception resolve itself?

Sometimes it goes away on its own. In some cases, surgery may be needed. If not treated, intussusception can be life-threatening. Intussusception can happen again, especially if it’s not treated with surgery the first time.

How is intussusception diagnosed?

To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may order: Ultrasound or other abdominal imaging. An ultrasound, X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) scan may reveal intestinal obstruction caused by intussusception. Imaging will typically show a “bull’s-eye,” representing the intestine coiled within the intestine.

Can intussusception be missed?

Missed case of intussusception, a rare cause of abdominal pain in adults: A case report emphasizing the imaging findings and review of the literature.

Is intussusception an emergency?

Intussusception requires emergency medical care. If you or your child develops the signs or symptoms listed above, seek medical help right away. In infants, remember that signs of abdominal pain may include recurrent bouts of pulling the knees to the chest and crying.

Is intussusception serious?

Intussusception is a rare, serious disorder in which one part of the intestine slides inside an adjacent part. Intussusception (in-tuh-suh-SEP-shun) is a serious condition in which part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part of the intestine.

How do you get intussusception?

In adults, intussusception is usually the result of a medical condition or procedure, including:

• A polyp or tumor.
• Scar-like tissue in the intestine (adhesions)
• Weight-loss surgery (gastric bypass) or other surgery on the intestinal tract.
• Inflammation due to diseases such as Crohn’s disease.

How long can you have intussusception?

Symptoms and Causes The main symptom of intussusception is severe, crampy abdominal pain alternating with periods of no pain. Painful episodes may last 10 to 15 minutes or longer, followed by periods of 20 to 30 minutes of no pain, after which the pain returns.

What is the most common site of intussusception?

About 90% of the intussusceptions in adults occur in the small or large bowel, while the remaining 10% involve the stomach or a surgically made stoma. Usually the most common site is the small bowel.

What are the symptoms of intussusception in an adult?

In adults, intussusception is usually accompanied with intermittent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, melena, weight loss, and fever. Abdominal pain is considered to be the most common symptom, presenting in 70-100% of cases [15].

When to go to the ER for intussusception?

Recurrent abdominal pain is a common and challenging presenting chief complaint in the Emergency Department. Intussusception in adults, although rare, is an important etiology to consider. The diagnosis can often be delayed because of the nonspecific and intermittent nature of symptoms in adults.

When to use a high index of suspicion for intussusception?

Key Points The diagnosis of intussusception requires a high index of suspicion. Consider intussusception in infants and children with intermittent distress, vomiting or isolated unexplained lethargy. Delayed presentation of intussusception can manifest as small bowel obstruction, bowel perforation, peritonitis and/or shock.

Where is the small intestine in relation to intussusception?

The small intestine is in the large intestine. Intussusception is a condition in which one segment of intestine “telescopes” inside of another, causing an intestinal obstruction (blockage).