INTESTINAL INTUSSUSCEPTION IN ADULTS

ULTRASONOGRAPHY DIAGNOSIS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Intussusception is a rare pathology in adults. It can be defined as a telescoping (intussusceptum) of the proximal intestine with its mesenteric fold within the lumen of an adjacent segment (intussuscipiens). CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old patient with abdominal pain for seven days is reported, referring to constipation and feeling of bloating. Ultrasonography detected intussusception, and computed tomography showed expansive formation at the root of the mesentery. An enterectomy and right colectomy with anastomosis were performed and the patient was discharged three days later. DISCUSSION: Computed tomography and ultrasonography are the most used diagnostic methods, with an accuracy of 77.8% and 49.2%, respectively. Although the "target" image cannot be considered pathognomonic, it is suggestive of the disease on ultrasound which has the advantage of being able to be performed at the patient's bedside and do not use ionizing radiation such as computed tomography. CONCLUSION: Although intussusception is not a routine diagnosis in adults, it is a disease that should be investigated in patients with significant abdominal distention. When characterized in this age group, the investigation of the causes of intussusception is necessary for the cure of the patient.