Intercepting the Intussusception: A Rare Case of Adult Intussusception With a Cecal Neuroendocrine Tumor Lead Point

TL;DR

A rare case of adult intussusception caused by a cecal neuroendocrine tumor is reported, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Contribution

This case report adds to the limited literature on adult intussusception caused by neuroendocrine tumors.

Findings

Adult intussusception was diagnosed in a patient with weight loss and abdominal pain.

A well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor was identified as the lead point.

Surgical intervention with ileocecectomy and anastomosis was performed successfully.

Abstract

Intussusception is the invagination of one segment of the bowel into the adjacent bowel segment leading to obstruction, intestinal ischemia and, in severe cases, peritonitis and perforation. While the condition is more common in children, adult intussusception does occur and is often attributed to malignancy. In this case report, we discuss an adult man who presented for weight loss and intermittent abdominal pain and was ultimately found to have ileocecal intussusception on CT imaging. A colonoscopy with cold biopsy was performed and pathology reports displayed a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor lead point; a rare event with only a few cases reported. Ultimately, the patient was taken to the operating room, and an ileocecectomy was performed with primary anastomosis. Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial in adult intussusception as a missed event can lead to tumor progression, bowel ischemia, bleeding and necrosis.

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