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Lessons to be learned: a case study approach. Chronic intussusception in childhood
N J West1, I R Daniels, N D Carr
1Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 4EX, England.
The Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health
|October 7, 2003
Summary
Chronic intussusception, a cause of persistent abdominal pain in children, is frequently overlooked. This case highlights a Meckel's diverticulum as the cause of chronic intussusception in an eight-year-old boy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Intussusception is a common surgical emergency in infants and young children.
- Chronic intussusception is a rare entity, often presenting with nonspecific abdominal pain, leading to delayed diagnosis.
Observation:
- A case report of an eight-year-old boy with a history of acute intussusception treated hydrostatically.
- The patient presented with persistent, colicky abdominal pain despite extensive prior investigations.
Findings:
- The diagnosis of chronic intussusception was confirmed.
- A Meckel's diverticulum was identified as the underlying cause of the chronic intussusception and persistent abdominal pain.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering chronic intussusception in the differential diagnosis of persistent abdominal pain in children.
- Underscores the role of Meckel's diverticulum as a potential lead point for intussusception, even in chronic presentations.
- Suggests the need for thorough investigation in pediatric patients with recurrent or persistent abdominal pain, even after initial resolution of acute intussusception.