Intussusception associated with a relapsing nephrotic patient: a case report

Gastrointestinal disturbances are encountered frequently in the course of the nephrotic syndrome but intussusception is a rare association. It may be the result of incoordinate motility and bowel wall edema.

To report a case of intussusception associated with relapsing nephrotic syndrome.

The authors reviewed the case of a 5-year-old boy who had been diagnosed as having nephrotic syndrome at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health for 1 year, who later presented with nephrotic symptoms and an acute abdomen. Abdominal ultrasonography and barium enema were performed which diagnosed ileo-colic intussusception. Resection of the ileum and appendectomy were performed while the relapsing nephrotic syndrome was treated by prednisolone. The patient's recovery was excellent. Percutaneous renal biopsy was done because of the frequent relapsing condition and showed mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis consistent with IgM nephropathy. Intussusception should be included in the differential diagnosis of relapsing nephrotic syndrome presenting with acute abdominal pain. Abdominal ultrasonography is helpful in confirming this condition.