Surgical Case Reports (Sep 2020)

Adult intussusception secondary to an appendiceal tumour in a patient with ulcerative colitis: a case report

  • M. G. Davey,
  • E. T. Conlon,
  • G. Forde,
  • V. M. Byrnes,
  • P. A. Carroll

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40792-020-01017-2
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 1
pp. 1 – 5

Abstract

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Abstract Background Intussusception in adult patients is uncommon and appendiceal lead points are particularly rare. Case presentation We present the case of a 42-year-old male with a history of ulcerative colitis, presenting with sudden onset abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea. Endoscopy revealed grossly normal mucosa in the descending colon with a congested polypoid mass in the proximal transverse colon. Computed tomography revealed ileocecal intussusception at the hepatic flexure. A right hemicolectomy was performed, where a grossly dilated appendix was noted, resected and sent for histopathological evaluation. Results revealed low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm. Post-operatively, the patient remained symptom free, however required reintroduction of biologic therapy due to relapse of his ulcerative colitis 12 weeks later. Conclusion This case depicts a rare acute surgical presentation and reminds physicians and surgeons of the importance of ‘thinking outside the box’ in clinical practice.

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