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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
PubMed

Insights

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.

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