Meckel’s Diverticulum as the Lead Point of Ileo-ileal Intussusception in a Young Adult: A Case Report

TL;DR

A 27-year-old woman was diagnosed with ileo-ileal intussusception caused by Meckel’s diverticulum and successfully treated with surgery.

Contribution

This case highlights Meckel’s diverticulum as a rare but important cause of intussusception in young adults.

Findings

Meckel’s diverticulum was confirmed as the lead point for a 20 cm ileo-ileal intussusception.

Segmental resection and anastomosis led to a favorable postoperative outcome.

CT imaging was critical for diagnosis and surgical planning.

Abstract

Adult intussusception is uncommon and typically arises from a lead point; Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is a rare cause. Its clinical presentation often overlaps with other etiologies of bowel obstruction, making imaging and intraoperative confirmation decisive.

A 27-year-old woman with no comorbidities presented with seven days of generalized abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and absence of canalization of gases and bowel movements. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed an 11 cm ileo-ileal intussusception.

As part of her management and outcome, a laparotomy was performed, which confirmed a 20 cm ileo-ileal intussusception secondary to MD located 60 cm from the ileocecal valve. Segmental resection of the affected ileal segment with end-to-end anastomosis was carried out. The postoperative course was favorable, and the patient was discharged in good condition.

In adults, MD can act as a lead point for intussusception and cause obstruction. Clinical findings are often nonspecific; CT guides diagnosis and surgical planning. Segmental resection is the treatment of choice and, when undertaken promptly, is associated with favorable outcomes.

MD should be included in the differential diagnosis of bowel obstruction in young adults. Clinical suspicion supported by CT and early surgical intervention promotes optimal recovery.

Figures