Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis With Intussusception in Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Pediatric Rheumatology

Background:

• Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis with intussusception presents as acute abdominal pain in children.
• Diagnosis relies on imaging, with treatment options including enema and surgery.
• Previous literature reports provide data on diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize clinical manifestations, ultrasonic features, and treatment of IgA vasculitis with intussusception.
• To review previous literature on this condition over the past 20 years.

Main Methods:

• A single-center retrospective review of patient data.
• A literature review of PubMed-indexed cases with detailed clinical data from the last two decades.

Main Results:

• 36 patients were included (22 boys, 14 girls); 88.9% diagnosed by ultrasound.
• Ileum and ileocolon were the most common intussusception sites (44.4% and 30.6%).
• Enema treated 13 patients (36.1%) with 6 successes; 26 patients (72.2%) had surgery, more common in ileal intussusception.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasonography is the primary diagnostic tool for IgA vasculitis with intussusception.
• Ileum and ileocolon are frequent sites; intussusception length influences surgical necessity.
• Treatment is site-dependent; air enema is not recommended for small intestine intussusception.