Idiopathic entero-colic intussusception: imaging findings in an abdominal emergency

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Adult intussusceptions are a rare cause of abdominal obstruction and are usually associated with a neoplastic disease; idiopathic forms are extremely rare. We report a case of an entero-colic intussusception in a young-adult female patient, who developed symptoms of abdominal obstruction. Imaging findings are reported. On histology, no underlying diseases were discovered. METHODS: The patient in the study presented at the hospital for a CT scan due to persistent abdominal pain and a CT was performed. RESULTS: The CT revealed an entero-colic invagination involving the ileocecal valve and the cecum, as well as a widespread edematous thickening of the colonic parietal walls CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic entero-colic intussusception is an uncommon abdominal urgency in adults. Symptoms can be vague and persistent, delaying an accurate diagnosis. Imaging is crucial in these circumstances for making a diagnosis. Some CT results, such as a target-like bulk, can be suggestive.