Simultaneous intussusception associated with adenovirus infection in monozygotic twins: A case report

RATIONALE: Intussusception, a common cause of intestinal obstruction in children, typically requires medical reduction. Here, we describe the case of a pair of twins who had simultaneous intussusception and were positive for fecal adenovirus—strongly indicating that adenovirus infection may be a main cause of the intussusception. PATIENT CONCERNS: Two 1-year-old twin girls were brought to Cathay General Hospital one after another on the same day. Both presented with intermittent abdominal pain, abdominal distension, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. DIAGNOSES: Their laboratory data were adenovirus positivity in rectal swab culture. Intussusception was diagnosed through a lower gastrointestinal series. INTERVENTIONS: The twins were treated with reduction for intussusception. OUTCOMES: Both patients recovered well, without recurrence. LESSONS: Most cases of intussusception are idiopathic. However, some potential risk factors—as strongly suggested by the current cases—are genetic factors and adenovirus infection.