Case of Irreducible Ileocecal Intussusception Due to Leiomyoma of the Colon

Intussusception is defined as the telescoping of the proximal segment of the bowel into the distal segment. In most clinical cases, pediatric intussusception is much more common than adult intussusception. Pediatric intussusception is often due to viral or bacterial infections, which lead to the inflammation of lymphoid tissue in the intestine. Adult intussusception is typically secondary to tumors and idiopathic causes. Malignant tumors tend to affect the colon, while benign tumors affect the small intestine. Lipomas are the leading cause of benign tumors which cause intussusception. Conversely, adenocarcinomas are the leading cause of malignant tumors that cause intussusception. Our case focuses on a young adult who developed intussusception secondary to a leiomyoma present near the ileocecal junction of the intestine. The treatment of intussusception caused by tumors is either surgical reduction or excision of the involved tissue. If excised, the specimens are sent to the pathology department for confirmation of the potential cause. If leiomyomas are suspected, staining is used to differentiate them from gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). These stromal tumors are unusual causes of intussusception, which require further research to determine their disease course and age at presentation.