Gastrogastric Intussusception Caused by Gastric Mass

Abstract

A 65-year-old woman with a past medical history of peptic ulcer disease and migraine headaches presented to our GI clinic complaining of dull left upper quadrant abdominal pain without radiation for the past 3 years. In addition she complained of unintentional weight loss and intermittent melena. She denied use of NSAIDs or a family history of gastric cancer. On exam, a palpable left upper quadrant mass was appreciated. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with oral and intravenous contrast showed a gastrogastric intussusception without a clear lead point. Upper endoscopy revealed a 4.5 cm subepithelial mass with an overlying ulceration arising from the anterior wall of the body of the stomach. Mucosal biopsies of the mass were non-diagnostic however given the clinical presentation and concern for GIST, surgery was recommended. Patient underwent a laparoscopic partial gastrectomy with pathology showing GIST.Figure: (A) portable Chest x-ray (CXR) revealing left hemi-thorax findings were suspicious for left diaphragmatic hernia containing bowel loops. (B, C,D) Axial and Coronal contrast-enhanced CT scan of the Abdomen with 3D reconstruction showing left hemi-diaphragm defect with a large portion of the stomach herniating through it. (L:liver; St:stomach; K:kidney; Sp:spleen).Figure: EGD findings: (A) ulcerative esophagitis. (B and C) Endoscopic exam of the stomach fundus showed hyperemic gastric mucosa, with two outlet channels, one of which was blind and other one was going into the pylorus with significant looping through this area. (D) pylorus. (E) Pyloric sphincter (F) Duodenum.Most documented cases of intussusception occur in children (90%) rather than adults (10%). 95% of children have primary intussusception, whereby the etiology is benign and idiopathic without defined causes. In contrast, almost 90% of the cases of intussusception in adults are secondary to a pathologic condition that serves as a lead point, such as carcinomas, polyps, Meckel's diverticulum, colonic diverticulum, strictures or benign neoplasms. Secondary intussusception is believed to initiate from any pathologic lesion of the bowel wall or irritant within the lumen that alters normal peristaltic activity and serves as a lead point, which is able to initiate an invagination of one segment (intussusceptum) of the bowel into the other (intussuscipien). Classic triad of cramping abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea and a palpable mass is rare in adults. Symptoms could range from nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal bleeding to a change in bowel habits, constipation or abdominal distension. CT scan is the most sensitive radiologic modality to confirm intussusception with a characteristic “target” sign when the intussusception is perpendicular to the long axis or a “sausage” sign when it is parallel to the long axis. Intussusception in adult needs surgical resection or investigation given the high risks of secondary causes such as neoplasm.Figure: Sausage-shaped mass indicates gastrogastric intussusceptions.Figure. 4: 5 cm smooth with central ulceration mass arising from body of the stomach.Gastrogastric intussusception is rare. Fortunately for our patient the intussusception was transient allowing time for work up and elective surgery.