Adult intussusception by tumor in ileum: a diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

Intussusception in adults is an infrequent cause of intestinal obstruction; preoperative diagnosis is difficult as symptoms can be intermittent and long standing. This relatively rare entity differs from the childhood form in its etiology, presentation and treatment. We present two cases of ileo-colic intussusception in adults, with a clinical presentation that mimicked complicated appendicitis. These cases remind us that both ileal tumors and intussusception must be included in the diagnosis of lower abdominal pain.