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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
08:49
Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis
Published on: October 29, 2014
Colonic intussusception: clinical and radiographic features
1Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA. gollubm@mskcc.org
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|April 23, 2011
Summary
In cancer patients, colonic intussusceptions are never idiopathic. They are typically caused by primary or metastatic colon cancer and often require surgery. Transient intussusceptions can also be linked to neoplasia.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Intussusception, a condition where one part of the intestine telescopes into another, is common in children but rare in adults.
- In adults, intussusception is often associated with a lead point, frequently a malignancy.
- Understanding the causes and characteristics of colonic intussusception in cancer patients is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive survey of all CT-detected ileocolic and colocolic intussusceptions in patients treated at a cancer institute.
- To determine the causes, frequency, and characteristics of colonic intussusceptions in this specific patient population.
Main Methods:
- A 13.5-year search of the radiology database at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center using the keyword "intus."
- Abdominopelvic CT scan reports were reviewed, and images were reassessed for the presence of intussusception.
- The reference standard for a lead point included histopathologic examination or persistent identifiable mass on follow-up CT scans.
Main Results:
- Out of 323 relevant CT scan reports, 33 patients had 34 colonic intussusceptions (11 ileocolic, 23 colocolic).
- No cases of idiopathic intussusception were found; causes included colorectal cancer (12), lymphoma (5), metastases (8), and polyps (4).
- Non-neoplastic causes (lipoma, hematoma, edema) were less common (n=5). Seven intussusceptions were transient, with six linked to neoplasia.
Conclusions:
- Colonic intussusceptions in cancer patients are never idiopathic.
- The majority are caused by primary colorectal cancer or metastatic disease.
- Most colonic intussusceptions in this cohort necessitate surgical intervention.
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