# Ileocecal Intussusception in the Era of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Infection and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C): A Case Report and Literature Review

## TL;DR

A case report explores ileocecal intussusception in a young child linked to COVID-19 and MIS-C, highlighting the challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the understanding of how COVID-19 and MIS-C may contribute to intussusception in infants.

## Key findings

- A seven-month-old male developed ileocecal intussusception during a hospital stay marked by viral co-infections and emerging MIS-C.
- The case highlights the diagnostic challenges of distinguishing between acute COVID-19, MIS-C, and intussusception in young children.
- The report suggests the need for increased awareness of intussusception as a potential complication of COVID-19 and MIS-C in infants.

## Abstract

Ileocecal intussusception (ICI) is the most common abdominal emergency and cause of intestinal obstruction in young children, carrying a high risk of mortality and morbidity. Enteric viral infectious and inflammatory syndromes are known triggers for intussusception (ileoileal and ileocolic) by causing mesenteric lymphoid hyperplasia that may act as a leading point allowing the bowel to invaginate into itself. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, with a subset of patients solely having GI complaints at the time of presentation.

COVID-19 as a trigger for intussusception in children has been hypothesized and suggested in multiple cases reported to date, both during the acute phase of illness and as a part of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). We present a seven-month-old male who developed ICI and became a diagnostic dilemma due to viral co-infections and the gradual emergence of MIS-C during the hospital stay. We are describing this presentation in an attempt to expand the understanding of the implications of COVID-19 and MIS-C in this young and unique age group.