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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
PubMed

Insights

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.

Keywords:
IntussusceptionLethargyMalignant hypertension

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