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.
Abstract

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