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Intussusception associated with bacterial meningitis

E Crushell1, O Flanagan, M Devins

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Sligo General Hospital, Ireland. ellen.crushell@ucd.ie

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|June 23, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial infections, specifically meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, are rarely linked to intussusception in infants. This case study highlights two infants who recovered from intussusception and meningitis with no long-term neurological issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Intussusception is typically associated with viral infections.
  • Bacterial infections are an uncommon cause of intussusception.

Observation:

  • Two infants presented with symptoms of intussusception, including bilious vomiting, drowsiness, and dehydration.
  • Both infants required immediate intravenous fluid resuscitation.
  • Intussusception was diagnosed and successfully reduced non-surgically via enema.

Findings:

  • Following intussusception reduction, both infants were diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis.
  • One infant also had concurrent meningococcal septicaemia.
  • Both infants experienced a slow recovery, with one developing a seizure.

Implications:

  • This report suggests a potential, albeit rare, association between bacterial infections like meningococcal disease and intussusception in infants.
  • Early diagnosis and management of both conditions are crucial.
  • Long-term neurological outcomes were positive in these cases, despite initial severity.

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