Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Description of a Swine Infant Model of Volume-Controlled Hemorrhagic Shock
09:09

Description of a Swine Infant Model of Volume-Controlled Hemorrhagic Shock

Published on: November 3, 2023

Intussusception in an infant with acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy

Joyce E Yu1, Anthony J Mancini, Michael L Miller

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Children's Memorial Hospital, 2300 Children's Plaza, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.

Pediatric Dermatology
|February 16, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy is usually benign in infants under 2. This case highlights an unusual gastrointestinal complication, intussusception, in an infant with this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI) is a rare, self-limiting vasculitic condition.
  • AHEI typically affects infants under two years old with characteristic skin lesions.
  • Gastrointestinal complications are uncommon in AHEI, unlike Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

Observation:

  • This report details an infant diagnosed with acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy.
  • The infant presented with an unusual complication not typically associated with AHEI.
  • The observed complication was intussusception, a serious gastrointestinal condition.

Findings:

  • The infant with AHEI developed intussusception.
  • This finding contrasts with the generally benign gastrointestinal course expected in AHEI.
  • The case underscores the importance of vigilance for gastrointestinal issues even in seemingly typical AHEI presentations.

Implications:

  • This case expands the known clinical spectrum of acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy.
  • It suggests that intussusception, though rare, should be considered in infants with AHEI presenting with abdominal symptoms.
  • Further recognition of such complications may refine diagnostic and management protocols for AHEI.

Related Concept Videos

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...