Lipoma of the Small Intestine: A Cause for Intussusception in Adults

Abstract

Intussusception as a cause of intestinal obstruction in adults is rare. There is invariably an underlying pathology which leads to intussusception in adults. A case of intussusception in an adult due to a small intestinal lipoma is presented in view of this association. Ultrasound and CECT may help in a preoperative diagnosis. However early surgical intervention is the mainstay of treatment in order to confirm the diagnosis of the underlying pathology, thereby avoiding misdiagnosis of an underlying cancer.

An ileo-ileal intussusception secondary to polypoid lipoma in a child, a case report and review of the literature

“…Primary lipomas of the small intestine are rare mesenchymal neoplasms, representing 2.6% of nonmalignant tumours of the intestinal tract [ 4 ]. It arises mostly in an ileal submucosa, followed less frequently by intermuscular and serosal origins [ 5 ]. The peak age of incidence is in the 6th-7th decades of life and females seem to be more prone to lipomas [ 6 ].…”

“…Small bowel lipoma produces symptoms of intermittent bowel obstruction. Very small ones may be asymptomatic [ 5 ]. Herein, in spite of small size lipoma, the child presented with non- bilious vomiting.…”

Intussusception in adults

“…This could be a submucosal lipoma, fibroma, polyp, Meckel's diverticulum, hemangioma or in cases of Peutz Jegher's syndrome. 4 Malignancy as a cause for intussusception is seen in carcinomas, lymphomas, malignant histiocytomas and metastases.…”

Inflammatory fibroid polyp (Vanek's tumour) of the bowel

“…8 Tumours situated above the level of the ligament of Treitz are usually asymptomatic. These may present with vague symptoms of abdominal discomfort, upper abdominal pain, vomiting and bleeding.…”