OBJECTIVES: To outline the causes of non-idiopathic intussusception in children and to document
the clinical characteristics of the different etiologies.
METHODOLOGY: It is a retrospective review of 19 cases of proved secondary intussusception,
over a span of 5 years i.e. from January 2004 to December 2008. Data was collected from private
months to 12 years. Demographic data, clinical presentations, surgical management and follow
up were recorded on pre designed proforma. Baseline blood investigations and radiological
tests were noted. Surgery was performed in all patients due to delayed presentation and non
availability of image intensifier.
RESULTS: Among 19 patients, 13 (68.42 %) were boys and 6 (31.57%) were girls with male to
female ratio of 2.16:1. The mean age was 2.15 years. Meckel's diverticulum was the most common
cause and found in 8 (42.10%) children. Four (21.05%) had lymphoma, 2 (10.52%) had haemangiomas
and 2 (10.52%) with polyps of the colon. Round worms, duplication of gut and
Henoch-Schönlein's purpura were the other causes of non-idiopathic intussusceptions.
CONCLUSION: Intussusception caused by an underlying disease or secondary to some pathological
lead point is not uncommon and it is important to be vigilant for pathological lead points
in children of any age.
Key words: Intussusception, Non-idiopathic, Pathological lead point, Meckel's diverticulum,
lymphoma.
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