Adult intussusception caused by myoepithelial hamartoma in the small bowel: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Intussusception is rare in adults and can have acute, intermittent or chronic presentations. We present an unusual case of intussusception in an adult.

Presentation of case: A 25 year old male presented with sudden severe abdominal pain and vomiting. He had no relevant medical history. Mechanical small bowel obstruction was confirmed on imaging and laparotomy revealed a nodular lead point in the submucosa of the ileum. He had resection of a segment of small bowel with a primary anastamosis. Histopathology of the lesion demonstrated myoepithelial hamartoma (MEH), a rare cause of intussusception.

Discussion: Although intussusception is not uncommon in children, it is rare in adults. Management delays are a major cause of morbidity. This report details our management of a case of intussusception caused by MEH in an otherwise healthy adult.

Conclusion: Intussusception caused by MEH is a rare but serious cause of mechanical bowel obstruction. We propose that surgeons should consider this diagnosis in atypical cases of bowel obstruction and expedite laparotomy when it is suspected.

Keywords: Adult intussusception; Intestinal obstruction; Myoepithelial hamartoma.