Tiny patient, big challenge: pancreatic heterotopia causing ileo-ileal intussusception in an infant

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Intussusception is a frequent cause of intestinal obstruction in children aged 6 months to 3 years.
• While often idiopathic, pathological lead points can cause intussusception, with ileo-ileal intussusception being an uncommon variant.
• Heterotopic pancreatic tissue is a rare cause of pathological lead points in pediatric intussusception.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of ileo-ileal intussusception in an infant caused by pancreatic heterotopia.
• To highlight the diagnostic utility of ultrasound in such cases.
• To emphasize the importance of prompt surgical management.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 2-month-old infant with symptoms of inconsolable crying and feeding refusal.
• Diagnosis of ileo-ileal intussusception confirmed via ultrasound.
• Surgical resection of the affected ileal segment performed.

Main Results:

• The infant presented with symptoms suggestive of intestinal obstruction.
• Ultrasound imaging successfully identified ileo-ileal intussusception.
• Surgical intervention resulted in an uneventful recovery for the patient.

Conclusions:

• Intussusception should be considered in younger infants presenting with nonspecific symptoms.
• Early diagnosis through imaging, especially ultrasound, is vital for pediatric intussusception.
• Pancreatic heterotopia, though rare, necessitates prompt surgical intervention for favorable pediatric outcomes.