Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2025

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
Published on: March 5, 2018
A Case of Multiple Polyps Causing Intussusception in an Adult Patient With Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
Ebtehal S Alharbi1, Jawaher S Alrumayh1, Raneem H Alzaghran1
1Department of Surgical Oncology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim, SAU.
Insights
Adult intussusception, though rare, demands urgent care. This case highlights Peutz-Jeghers syndrome as a cause of severe small bowel obstruction in a young adult, necessitating surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Case Reports
Background:
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by gastrointestinal polyps.
- Intussusception is uncommon in adults but can lead to severe complications and emergency surgical intervention.
Observation:
- A 26-year-old male presented with acute crampy abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation.
- Imaging revealed small bowel intussusception, confirmed intraoperatively.
- Necrotic bowel segments required resection.
Findings:
- The patient recovered well post-surgery with minimal complications.
- Discharged on postoperative day seven with an uneventful one-month follow-up.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering intussusception in adult patients with non-specific abdominal pain and signs of bowel obstruction.
- Emergency physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for intussusception, especially in the presence of underlying conditions like Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
Abstract:
Despite intussusception being less prevalent among adults, its effects are severe and often require emergency intervention. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant syndrome that leads to the growth of polyps in the gastrointestinal mucosa. In this case report, we present the case of a 26-year-old man who was brought to the emergency room complaining of crampy abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. Intussusception was observed on imaging and confirmed at surgery. The necrotic parts of the small bowel were resected. Postoperatively, the patient was stable, had minimum pain, and did not have any complications throughout the hospital stay. He was discharged home on day seven and advised to follow up. The course at the one-month follow-up was uneventful with no similar episodes. This case report is intended as a reminder for emergency physicians to consider intussusception as a potential diagnosis in patients presenting with abdominal pain and bowel obstruction because the symptoms are often non-specific and episodic.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Histology of the Small Intestine
The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...
Pleiotropy
Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...

