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The role of steroids in children with multiple recurrences of intussusception
Robert Lopez1, Spencer W Beasley, Russell Blakelock
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Insights
This case study highlights a boy with recurrent intussusception, likely caused by lymphoid hyperplasia rather than a distinct lesion. Treatment with oral prednisolone successfully resolved the condition, preventing further intussusception episodes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Intussusception is a common surgical emergency in children.
- Recurrent intussusception often necessitates identification of a lead point lesion.
- Idiopathic or recurrent intussusception can be challenging to manage.
Observation:
- A pediatric patient presented with nine episodes of intussusception.
- No pathological lead point lesion was identified during investigations.
- A contrast follow-through study showed a prominent follicular/nodular mucosal pattern in the terminal ileum and cecum.
Findings:
- The intussusception recurrences were presumed to be due to lymphoid hyperplasia.
- A two-month tapering course of oral prednisolone was administered.
- No further intussusception recurrences were observed after treatment.
Implications:
- Lymphoid hyperplasia may be an underrecognized cause of recurrent intussusception in children.
- Oral corticosteroids can be an effective treatment for intussusception secondary to lymphoid hyperplasia.
- This case suggests a potential non-surgical management option for specific cases of recurrent intussusception.
Abstract:
We describe the case of a boy who had 9 recurrences of intussusception, for which no pathological lesion at the leadpoint was identified. A contrast follow-through study revealed a follicular/nodular mucosal pattern, particularly prominent in the terminal ileum and caecum. Patients with multiple recurrences usually have an identifiable lesion at the leadpoint, but sometimes recurrences may be due to lymphoid hyperplasia, as presumed in our case. No further recurrences occurred after a two month tapering course of oral prednisolone.
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