Histopathology: its role in the diagnosis of a child with intussusception

Spontaneous expulsion of a small portion of the intestinal mucosa per rectum, in an infant, associated with ileocolic intussusception is an extremely rare condition. This appears to be the first report of such a clinical presentation. The initial diagnosis was raised by the histopathologist following examination of the eliminated piece of tissue. Subsequent barium enema and laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis and the ileocolic intussusception was successfully reduced. This unusual presentation, together with a review of the pertinent literature, is discussed. Our findings indicate that both the clinicians and histopathologists should be aware of this phenomenon and stress the importance of the histological examination of any unusual faecal matter. This may prove to be a simple, quick and cheap method of investigation of this condition.