Acute Intestinal Intussusception in Adults: A Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Acute intestinal intussusception in adults (AII) is a rare condition, accounting for 1 to 5% of intestinal obstructions and fewer than 5% of all intussusceptions [1, 2]. Unlike in children, an underlying organic lesion is identified in 70 to 90% of adult cases [1, 3]. We report three cases illustrating the clinical and etiological diversity of this condition. The first case involved a 61-year-old male with metastatic pulmonary carcinoma who presented with small bowel intussusception secondary to intestinal metastases. The second case involved a 47-year-old female presenting with ileo-ileal intussusception caused by a benign inflammatory pseudo-polyp. The third case involved a 56-year-old male in whom computed tomography suggested intestinal intussusception without complications. Laparoscopic exploration revealed neither persistent intussusception nor an identifiable organic lead point, supporting the diagnosis of spontaneous reduction. Conclusion: AII encompasses a broad etiological spectrum. Computed tomography remains the reference diagnostic modality, while surgery constitutes the primary treatment. Awareness of transient forms is essential to avoid unnecessary intestinal resection in selected patients [4, 5].