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Intussusception secondary to a Meckel’s diverticulum in a 6-month-old male


Journal of Pediatrics & Neonatal Care
Vanessa Rallis, Patrick Cazilas, Shane Rainey

Abstract

The differential diagnosis in a vomiting infant can be extensive, ranging from the benign viral gastroenteritis and gastro esophageal reflux to serious bowel pathologies such as intussusception and malrotation. Intussusception occurs when a proximal bowel segment becomes trapped in a distal bowel segment, most commonly in the ileocecal region, and can infrequently involve an anatomic lead point such as intestinal polyps, cancer, inflammatory patches, enteric duplication cysts, or a Meckel’s diverticulum. We present a case of a 6-month-old male admitted with presumed viral gastroenteritis who was found to have a necrotic Meckel’s diverticulum associated intussusception requiring open laparotomy for correction. Clinicians should cultivate a high index of suspicion for intussusception in the vomiting child, as the diagnosis can be elusive and have serious consequences if unrecognized.

Keywords

c-reactive protein, infant, decompression, ultrasound, hematochezia, abdominal, radiograph, radiology, diagnostic, gastroenteritis, ascending colon

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