Adult intussusception secondary to intestinal tuberculosis: A case report

Abstract

Adult intussusception is a rare disorder that accounts for only 1% of intestinal obstruction and 3%–5% of all intussusceptions. The classical triad of intussusception includes abdominal pain, bleeding per rectum, and palpable mass. The underlying causes of gut telescoping include gallstone ileus, acute leukemia after consolidation chemotherapy, immunocompromised status, and intestinal tuberculosis. Management involves laparotomy or laparoscopic reduction, along with treatment of the underlying cause. We present the case of a 35-year-old-female who presented with a complaint of absolute constipation for three days. Physical examination revealed tender abdomen with sluggish bowel sounds. Abdominal ultrasound showed ileocolic intussusception as the cause. Consequently, the patient underwent right hemicolectomy with ileostomy. Further workup confirmed intestinal tuberculosis as the causative factor, and antituberculosis therapy (ATT) was initiated. Intestinal tuberculosis can lead to intussusception and should be considered in adult patients presenting with abdominal pain, palpable masses, and bloody stool. Such patients require postoperative anti-tuberculosis therapy to cure the underlying tuberculosis.