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Published on: December 1, 2012
Beyond lead points: transient small-bowel intussusception in adolescents without structural lesions
Eleni Boutouridou1, Vasiliki Magaliou1, Eleftheria Emmanouilidou2
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, "Hippokration" General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki.
Functional intussusception is rare in adolescents. Two cases highlight non-structural causes like SSRI use and lymphoid hyperplasia, emphasizing prompt laparoscopic assessment for effective management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Adolescent Medicine
Background:
- Intussusception is a common cause of intestinal obstruction in young children.
- In adolescents, intussusception is uncommon and typically associated with structural lead points.
- Functional or transient small-bowel intussusception without anatomical lesions is rare and under-recognized in adolescents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two cases of adolescent intussusception without anatomical lead points.
- To illustrate non-structural mechanisms contributing to intussusception in adolescents.
- To emphasize the importance of prompt laparoscopic assessment for managing adolescent intussusception.
Main Methods:
- Case report of two adolescents presenting with acute abdominal pain and vomiting.
- Case 1: 15-year-old female on SSRI therapy with jejuno-ileal intussusception.
- Case 2: 13-year-old male with heterozygous β-thalassemia and ileo-ileal intussusception.
Main Results:
- Both cases involved intussusception without structural lead points.
- Case 1 showed spontaneous reduction during laparoscopy with observed hematoma and hyperperistalsis.
- Case 2 had successful laparoscopic reduction associated with reactive mesenteric lymph nodes.
Conclusions:
- SSRI-associated hypermotility and reactive lymphoid hyperplasia are potential non-structural mechanisms for adolescent intussusception.
- Prompt laparoscopic assessment is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
- Early recognition and intervention can prevent ischemic complications in adolescent intussusception.
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