Idiopathic enterocolic intussusception: imaging findings in an abdominal emergency

Abstract

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 enterocolic intussusception in a young woman who experienced symptoms of abdominal obstruction. Imaging findings were reported. On histological examination, no underlying diseases were found. The patient presented at the hospital for computed tomography because of persistent abdominal pain. Computed tomography revealed an enterocolic invagination involving the ileocecal valve and cecum and widespread edematous thickening of the colonic parietal walls. Idiopathic enterocolic intussusception is an uncommon abdominal urgency in adults. Symptoms can be vague and persistent, delaying an accurate diagnosis. Imaging is crucial in these circumstances to make a diagnosis. Some computed tomography findings, such as a target-like bulk, may be suggestive.