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Intussusception presenting with malignant hypertension and lethargy.
Andra de Vries1, Nilou Ashtiani, Nazanin Ahmadi
1Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Case Reports in Nephrology and Urology
|August 6, 2013
Summary
Malignant hypertension and lethargy in children can signal ileocecal intussusception, a rare cause of hypertensive crisis. Surgical correction resolved symptoms, highlighting intussusception as a critical diagnosis to consider.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Surgical Case Reports
Background:
- Malignant hypertension in children typically stems from renal or renovascular issues.
- Lethargy accompanying hypertension often indicates hypertensive encephalopathy.
Observation:
- A case study identified severe hypertension and lethargy as the sole symptoms in a child with ileocecal intussusception.
- No other typical intussusception signs were present.
Findings:
- Ileocecal intussusception was diagnosed as the cause of the hypertensive crisis.
- Symptoms fully resolved after surgical repositioning of the intussusception.
Implications:
- This case suggests intussusception should be considered in pediatric hypertensive crisis, even with atypical presentations.
- Early surgical intervention is crucial for resolving intussusception-induced hypertension.
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