Pediatric Covid-19 mesenteric lymphoid hyperplasia associated intussusception: A case report and literature review

A 2 month old, full term, previously healthy male, with known COVID-19 infection 3 weeks prior to arrival presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with complaints of 5–6 episodes of non-bilious and non-bloody emesis. According to the child's parents, the emesis was mostly associated with feeding. His parents endorsed that the patient had one episode of diarrhea that was maroon in color and appeared different than typical stools. Abdominal exam at that time was non distended with no tenderness and no other significant findings. The patient was observed while feeding in the ED and was noted to have some minimal spit up with arching of his back. A presumptive diagnosis of reflux was made, and the patient was discharged home with education on feeding. The infant was brought back to the ED the following day due to worsening emesis. Additionally, his parents noted more episodes of bloody stools. His abdomen appeared mildly distended with moderate tenderness on abdominal examination. During evaluation, a large “currant jelly” stool was observed (Fig. 1). An abdominal ultrasound was obtained, which demonstrated an ileocolic intussusception with a possible enlarged lymph node as lead point. The patient received an air contrast enema with successful reduction. Repeat ultrasound was obtained which confirmed resolution, and the patient was admitted for overnight observation. The patient tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 using polymerase chain reaction testing. He was discharged the following day after successful advancing of diet, normal serial abdominal exams, and observed normal bowel movements.