Management of a small bowel hemangioma causing intussusception in an infant: A rare case report and literature review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Hemangiomas of the small intestine are rare and usually present in young people. They are very difficult to diagnose preoperatively. We report a rare case of mixed intestinal hemangioma (IH) causing intussusception in a pediatric patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 3-month-old girl, with no prior medical or surgical history, was admitted with rectal bleeding and paroxysmal crying due to intermittent abdominal pain. An urgent abdominal ultrasound revealed ileo-ileal intussusception. Operative findings confirmed the intussusception, and a segmental resection of the intussuscepted jejunum was performed. Histopathological examination found a mixed hemangioma. The postoperative course was uneventful. DISCUSSION: Clinical presentation may include intestinal bleeding leading to anemia, obstruction, intussusception and perforation. Intussusception caused by small bowel hemangioma is extremely rare. Notably, we didn't find any cases of small bowel hemangioma revealed by intussusception in children. The main treatment for hemangiomas is surgical resection of the affected segment. No evidence in the literature on postoperative recurrence of hemangiomas. CONCLUSION: Intussusception secondary to intestinal hemangiomas is extremely rare. Preoperative diagnosis is challenging as they are often undetectable with traditional techniques. Enhanced awareness and understanding of this condition can facilitate earlier diagnosis and improve management outcomes.