Intussusception in an extremely premature infant following bacterial sepsis

Abstract

Intussusception occurring in premature infants is exceedingly rare and shows substantially different characteristics from that in the typical age group or non-premature neonates. We present a case of intussusception in an extremely premature infant following bacterial sepsis, in which necrotizing enterocolitis was initially suspected. The correct diagnosis was made at 35 days old using abdominal ultrasonography, but the general condition of the infant had deteriorated to the point where surgery could not be performed. The patient died of multiple organ failure, and autopsy revealed ileo-ileal intussusception without a recognizable anatomical leading point. Possible mechanisms for this rare clinical entity are discussed.