Adult Ileo-ileal Intussusception Due to Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp: A Case Report.

Introduction: Intussusception occurs when one part of the intestines slides into the adjacent intestine resulting in bowel obstruction. It is a rare condition in adults, accounting for only 5% of all intussusceptions. It has multiple causes, with inflammatory fibroid polyps (IFPs) very infrequently being the cause. We present a rare case of intussusception in an adult due to an IFP.

Case Presentation: A 72-year-old woman visited our hospital complaining of abdominal pain. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrated an ileo-ileal intussusception due to a round mass. An emergency surgery involving a partial ileal resection with laparoscopic assistance was performed. Pathological findings of the tumor showed proliferation of spindle-shaped cells, edematous stroma, dilation of lymphatic vessels, and infiltration of inflammatory cells, which were mainly eosinophils. Immunohistochemistry was positive for vimentin and SMA and negative for CD117, CD34, S-100, and desmin. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as an IFP.

Conclusion: Bowel obstruction in adults due to intussusception is rare, and those due to IFPs are even more rare. Preoperative diagnosis of IFP is difficult, but surgeons must keep in mind that it can be a cause of adult intussusception.