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

Abstract

IntroductionIntussusception is rare in adults and can have acute, intermittent or chronic presentations. We present an unusual case of intussusception in an adult. Presentation of caseA 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. DiscussionAlthough 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. ConclusionIntussusception 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.