Intussusception of the small intestine due to an intestinal melanoma metastasis : a case report & literature review

Abstract

Intussusceptions of the small intestine in adults is very rare and represents only 1% of all cases of intestinal obstruction; this condition is rarely described in the literature. Surgery is the procedure of choice in most cases. We report a case of ileo-ileal intussusceptions secondary to a melanoma metastatic tumor, occurring 4 years after surgery for malignant melanoma of the cheek. The diagnosis of intussusception was confirmed by abdominal CT-Scan. However, only palliative surgery was feasible for this patient. At seven months after his surgery, the patient is alive and in good general condition. Intussusception in adults is the main clinical presentation indicative of intestinal metastasis from malignant melanoma. After our review of the literature, it seems that this complication occurs mainly in male patients and the site of predilection for this metastasis is the jejunum.

Keywords

• Melanoma
• Metastasis
• Intussusception
• Surgery
• Intestinal obstruction
• Emergency