A rare case of idiopathic ileocolic intussusception in an adult

Abstract

Intussusception is an invagination of one segment of the bowel into its adjoining segment. In children, the cause is usually benign, while in adults it is secondary to a mass lesion. Here we present a case in which the preoperative diagnosis of intussusception secondary to colonic mass was made, but no definitive cause was identified by histopathology. A 30-year-old male presented with abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, weight loss, loose motions, bleeding per rectum, and vomiting. The abdomen was distended, firm, mildly tender, and guarded. A vague mass of 15 x 10 cm was palpated on the left upper quadrant. X-ray and ultrasound showed dilated small bowel. A computed tomography scan suggested ileoileal intussusception. Colonoscopy showed a growth at 15 cm of the anal verge. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, showing the presence of ileocolic intussusception with two large perforations. Subtotal colectomy with ileostomy was done. The histopathological examination showed signs of perforation.