Delayed presentation of intestinal atresia and intussusception--a case report and literature review

Neonatal intussusception is a rare phenomenon. We report a case where intestinal obstruction became evident after eight days in an infant of 32 weeks gestational age and 0.94 kg birth weight. Laparotomy revealed a type 2 ileal atresia, present as a result of ischaemic injury secondary to intra-uterine intussusception. Resection of the intussuscepted segment was carried out with primary anastomotic repair leading to a good outcome. A period of eight days passed before clinically evident abdominal distension was noted. We address reasons why this may have occurred.