[Intestinal intussusception as a key sign of Celiac Disease. A pediatric case report]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
• Celiac Disease Research

Background:

• Intestinal intussusception is a leading cause of bowel obstruction in children aged 6-36 months.
• The etiology is frequently idiopathic, though associations with conditions like celiac disease are recognized.
• Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, can manifest with diverse gastrointestinal symptoms.

Observation:

• A 23-month-old male presented with failure to thrive, a non-specific indicator of poor growth.
• Diagnostic imaging, specifically ultrasound, was employed to investigate the underlying cause.
• The ultrasound revealed multiple instances of asymptomatic ileo-ileal intussusceptions.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates recurrent ileo-ileal intussusceptions in a pediatric patient.
• These intussusceptions were asymptomatic, meaning they did not present with typical obstructive symptoms.
• The patient's failure to thrive suggests a potential underlying condition, possibly related to malabsorption or chronic inflammation.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering celiac disease in pediatric patients with unexplained failure to thrive and intussusception.
• Further investigation into the association between celiac disease and asymptomatic intussusceptions is warranted.
• Recognizing such associations can lead to earlier diagnosis and improved management of pediatric gastrointestinal disorders.