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Intussusception Caused by Yersinia enterocolitica Enterocolitis in a Patient with Sickle Cell Anemia

Geetanjali Gupta1, Shailesh Kumar, Reecha Singh

  • 1Department of Pathology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, India 607402.

Clinical Medicine Insights. Pathology
|December 15, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Yersinia enterocolitica can cause intussusception, particularly in iron-overloaded patients. This rare case highlights the risk in children with sickle cell disease receiving blood transfusions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Yersinia enterocolitica intussusception is uncommon, typically seen in iron-overloaded individuals due to the bacteria's iron utilization.
  • Sickle cell disease patients often undergo transfusions, increasing iron load and potential susceptibility.

Observation:

  • A 5-year-old with sickle cell disease presented with terminal ileum intussusception.
  • The intussusception was caused by Yersinia enterocolitica, likely due to iron overload from monthly transfusions despite chelation therapy.

Findings:

  • The patient's intussusception resulted from Yersinia enterocolitica-induced lymphoid hyperplasia and hypertrophied Peyer's patches.
  • Iron serves as a critical growth factor for Yersinia enterocolitica, exacerbating infection in iron-rich environments.

Implications:

  • Yersinia enterocolitica should be considered a potential pathogen in sickle cell disease patients, especially post-transfusion.
  • This case underscores the importance of monitoring for Yersinia enterocolitica in immunocompromised patients with iron overload.

Keywords:
Yersinia enterocoliticaintussusceptionsickle cell anemia

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