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Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Chronic Salmonella Infection Induced Intestinal Fibrosis
Published on: September 22, 2019
Celiac disease presenting as entero-enteral intussusception
G Martinez1, N R Israel, J J White
1Division of Pediatric Surgery, The Children's Hospital at the Medical Center of Central Georgia and Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, USA.
Insights
Severe failure to thrive (FTT) and abdominal pain in children can signal intussusception and celiac disease. Early investigation for these conditions is crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Surgical Gastroenterology
Background:
- Failure to thrive (FTT) and chronic abdominal pain are significant indicators of underlying gastrointestinal pathology in children.
- Intestinal obstruction, though less common in children, presents a critical diagnostic challenge.
Observation:
- A 4 1/2-year-old boy presented with severe FTT and intermittent cramping abdominal pain, suggestive of intestinal obstruction.
- Diagnostic workup revealed an entero-enteric intussusception, a rare form of bowel telescoping.
Findings:
- Surgical correction of the intussusception was performed.
- Celiac disease was identified as the underlying cause of the patient's severe FTT and inanition.
Implications:
- The case highlights the importance of considering both celiac disease and intussusception in pediatric patients with concurrent FTT and abdominal pain.
- Prompt investigation for these conditions can lead to timely diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Cramping abdominal pain with intermittent intestinal obstruction finally prompted investigation in a 4 1/2-year-old boy with severe failure to thrive (FTT). An entero-enteric intussusception was corrected, and celiac disease was identified as the cause of his inanition. Concomitant FTT and cramping abdominal pain should prompt investigation for celiac disease and small-bowel intussusception.
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