Intestinal intussusception in an adult diagnosed by colonoscopy, an uncommon way to discover this entity

Abstract

Intestinal intussusception is a condition usually observed in pediatric patients and is rare in adults. It has been described as idiopathic or secondary to several etiologies. Intussusception occurring in the large bowel is more likely to have a malignant etiology. Abdominal computed tomography is the normal diagnostic modality. Colonoscopy may be helpful to distinguish benign from malignant lesions, prior to deciding an appropriate management. An endoscopy approach can be attempted in patients in whom a benign mass is suspected. However, surgery remains the mainstay in adult intussusception, especially when a malignant etiology cannot be ruled out. We present a rare case of colo-colonic intestinal intussusception in an adult diagnosed by outpatient colonoscopy, which is an uncommon way to discover this entity.