Missed case of intussusception, a rare cause of abdominal pain in adults: A case report emphasizing the imaging findings and review of the literature

Intussusception, a process whereby a segment of the intestine telescopes into the adjoining intestinal lumen, is a rare source of pain in adults that present with nonspecific abdominal pain. Imaging is the mainstay for diagnosis, which requires prompt and accurate interpretation to prevent complications. The following report details the misdiagnosis of intussusception in a 54-year-old male, whom presented to the emergency department with a 4-day history of nonrelenting abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Following blood tests, chest, and abdominal imaging, the patient was discharged with a suspected passed renal stone. He soon represented to the General Practitioner, however, with equivalent pain; prompting a review of the images. It was apparent that the initial radiologist failed to recognize the subtle presence of intussusception. This case highlights the necessary consideration of intussusception as a differential diagnosis in adult patients presenting with intermittent abdominal pain. The case further emphasizes that radiologists should be familiar with the subtler signs of intussusception.