Ileo-ileal intussusception secondary to malignant metastatic melanoma: a case report

Abstract

Intestinal intussusception in adults is a rare manifestation and almost certainly represents a pathological lead point such as a neoplasm. We present such a case of ileo-ileal intussusception with an extraluminal deposit of metastatic melanoma (MM) acting as a lead point. A 48-year-old gentleman presented with small bowel obstruction secondary to ileo-ileal intussusception. His past medical history included an advanced cutaneous melanoma awaiting work-up. An emergency laparotomy with small-bowel resection and primary anastomosis was performed. Histopathological analysis confirmed metastatic melanoma and systemic therapy was commenced. Melanoma commonly metastases to the small intestine, they often present with intussusception and small bowel obstruction or bleeding. The risk factors for metastatic spread include superficial spreading melanoma, a Clark level of III or IV, Breslow thickness above 1mm, regression, ulceration, and high mitotic rate. Diagnosis is made radiologically with CT, endoscopy, contrast studies or nuclear medicine. Emergency operative management is indicated to relieve the obstruction and definitive therapy is indicated. Malignant melanoma with distal metastases is considered a stage IV disease and such patients are subject to systemic therapy including surgical resection, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of all three. Ileo-ileal intussusception with MM as a lead point is a very rare presentation in antemortem patients. A CT scan is the investigatory modality of choice and emergency surgery is indicated to relieve obstruction and obtain histology. Prognosis is poor but novel immunotherapy agents herald opportunities even in palliative patients.