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Adult Ileocolic Intussusception in a Patient With Cystic Fibrosis: Diagnostic Role of Point-of-Care Ultrasound 'Case
Ali Al Khalifah1, Ali Aldawood1
1King Fahad Specialist Hospital-Dammam Emergency Medicine Department Dammam Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Cystic fibrosis (CF) can cause intestinal issues like intussusception. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) aided in the early diagnosis of this rare adult CF complication, highlighting the need for clinical vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multi-system disorder impacting multiple organ systems.
- Pancreatic insufficiency in CF patients can lead to gastrointestinal issues, including constipation and impaired intestinal motility.
- These GI complications predispose CF patients to intestinal obstruction and intussusception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of intussusception in an adult male with cystic fibrosis.
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in identifying intussusception.
- To emphasize the importance of clinical vigilance in managing multi-systemic diseases like CF.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 25-year-old male with CF presenting with abdominal pain and constipation.
- Diagnosis of intussusception confirmed using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS).
- Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and management considerations.
Main Results:
- The patient, a 25-year-old male with CF, presented with symptoms of abdominal pain and constipation.
- Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) successfully identified the classical sonographic features of intussusception.
- Early diagnosis facilitated timely management.
Conclusions:
- Clinical vigilance is crucial when managing patients with multi-systemic diseases such as CF, who may present with atypical symptoms.
- Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a valuable tool for the early diagnosis of intussusception, even in adult patients.
- While ultrasound is highly sensitive in pediatric populations, further research is needed to confirm its utility in adults; CT scans are valuable for assessing complications.
Background:
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multi-system autosomal recessive disorder affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems. One of its manifestations is pancreatic insufficiency. This could lead to constipation and impaired intestinal activity predisposing patients to intestinal obstruction and intussusception.
Key Findings:
This report discusses a case of a 25-year-old male with CF who presented with abdominal pain and constipation. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was instrumental in the early diagnosis of intussusception, showing the classical sonographic features of intussusception.
Discussion:
This case highlights the importance of clinical vigilance and the utility of POCUS when managing patients with multi-systemic diseases, as they may present with atypical symptoms and rare diagnoses. Ultrasound is highly sensitive for diagnosing intussusception in the paediatric populations, but further studies may be needed to translate that finding to the adult population. Complementary computed tomography (CT) is of high value in evaluating for possible complications.
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