Intrauterine intussusception: case report and literature review

Abstract

Intussusception in the newborn is a unique clinical entity, and one of the most unusual causes of intestinal obstruction in infants. Its cause can be idiopathic, secondary to a local lesion or a complication of disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are important, because survival depends on them. The authors report a case of jejunal atresia secondary to intrauterine intussusception, followed by a literature review. Less than 30 cases have been adequately documented in the world literature. Eight reports from the literature are selected to highlight clues for early diagnosis, such as vomiting, with or without bile, abdominal distension and bloody stools, because of their prognostic implications. Intussusception is rare under the age of 3 months; the incidence is 0.3% in the neonatal period. Previous reports indicate that a confusing clinical picture has led to a delay in operation and a high mortality. The ultimate outcome depends on an acute awareness of the condition in the presence of the diagnostic clues in a newborn.