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Recurrent small bowel intussusceptions: an uncommon presentation of celiac disease in an Arab child
Samia Al Furaikh1, Abdullah A Al Zaben
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, King Fahad National Guard Hospital, PO Box 22490 Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Recurrent small bowel intussusception in infants can be caused by celiac disease, an uncommon condition. A gluten-free diet resolved intussusception and improved failure to thrive in a young Saudi girl.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Recurrent bowel intussusception in infants often has unidentified causes.
- Uncommon etiologies, like gluten-sensitive enteropathy (celiac disease), are frequently overlooked.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old Saudi girl presented with small bowel intussusception diagnosed via abdominal CT.
- The patient also exhibited failure to thrive.
Findings:
- Celiac disease was diagnosed through further investigations.
- The patient's small bowel intussusception resolved completely after initiating a gluten-free diet.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering celiac disease in pediatric patients with recurrent intussusception.
- Early diagnosis and dietary management of celiac disease can lead to complete resolution of intussusception and improved growth.
Abstract:
Causes of recurrent bowel intussusception in infancy are rarely identified and uncommon causes such as gluten sensitive enteropathy are not well recognized. We report a 3 year-old Saudi girl who presented with small bowel intussusception, which was diagnosed by abdominal CT. Investigations for concomitant failure to thrive revealed celiac disease. Her small bowel intussusception resolved completely when she was placed on a gluten free diet.
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