Intussusceptions in Adults: Clinical Course and Associated Lesions

Abstract

Intussusception in adults is rare. The authors report 18 cases and illustrate the pathological and clinical findings. Intussusception is usually secondary to a benign small bowel lesion or to a malignant colonic tumour. The diagnosis of ileo-ileocolic intussusception can be made by ultrasonography, by small bowel follow-through examination or by abdominal CT scan. When the colon is affected, barium enema and colonoscopy are very helpful. In the adult, treatment requires surgical intervention.