The Correlation Between Pediatric Intussusceptions and Celiac Disease

Abstract

The most common acute abdominal disorder in the pediatric population appears as a telescoping of the bowel, resulting in either intermittent or complete obstruction. Intussusceptions transpire as the bowel prolapses into a more distal bowel segment and is propelled forward. A case is presented of multiple small bowel intussusceptions, pneumatosis, intraperitoneal fluid, and pericardial effusion. Sonography initially visualized the obstructions, along with multiple other indicators of an abdominal disorder. The use of computed tomography followed to provide a more comprehensive view of the child’s abdomen. Each imaging technique revealed new aspects of the abdominal disorder and concluded in the diagnosis of celiac disease. This case supports the idea that small bowel intussusceptions should not be disregarded as insignificant incidental findings but rather should alert sonographers to further investigate for evidence of celiac disease.

Transabdominal bowel ultrasound as a method of primary diagnosis in acute bowel pathology: literature review and demonstration of clinical cases

“…Interestingly, a 2016 World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery article described intestinal intussusception as the initial manifestation of celiac disease in 57% of American adults. 10 Intestinal intussusception in adults is a rare condition whose cause should be carefully investigated to expedite treatment and prevent unnecessary surgical intervention. 11 In general, ultrasound has a sensitivity of 98-100% and specificity of 88-89% for the diagnosis of intestinal intussusception.…”