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Protein-losing Enteropathy Caused by Spontaneous Reduction of Intussusception with Meckel's Diverticulum
Eri Tei1, Hitoshi Hirakawa, Masaharu Mori
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tokai University Hachioji Hospital, 1838 Ishikawa-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0032, Japan. e-tei@tsc.u-tokai.ac.jp.
The Tokai Journal of Experimental and Clinical Medicine
|April 18, 2017
Insights
Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is rare. This case study details a boy with PLE and intussusception, linked to Meckel's diverticulum, suggesting a novel mechanism for spontaneous reduction in PLE.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a rare gastrointestinal disorder characterized by excessive protein loss into the intestinal tract.
- Intussusception, a serious condition where one part of the intestine slides into another, can occur in children.
- Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital abnormality of the small intestine that can lead to various complications.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old boy presented with diagnosed Protein-losing enteropathy.
- The patient subsequently developed intussusception, a condition requiring surgical intervention.
- During surgery, a Meckel's diverticulum was identified as a contributing factor in the patient's intestine.
Findings:
- The case highlights a potential association between Protein-losing enteropathy and intussusception in pediatric patients.
- The presence of Meckel's diverticulum was confirmed during the operative procedure.
- A novel hypothesis suggests that the underlying mechanism of PLE may be related to spontaneous reduction of intussusception.
Implications:
- This case provides valuable insights into the complex pathophysiology of Protein-losing enteropathy.
- Understanding the link between PLE, intussusception, and Meckel's diverticulum may improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise relationship and mechanisms involved in these pediatric gastrointestinal conditions.
Abstract:
Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a relatively rare condition. In this article, we report the case of a 6-year-old boy diagnosed with PLE who developed intussusception, in whom at operation Meckel's diverticulum was identified in his intestine. Spontaneous reduction of intussusception is thought to relate to the mechanism of PLE.
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