Published online Nov 21, 2012. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i43.6338
Revised: June 18, 2012
Accepted: July 9, 2012
Published online: November 21, 2012
Colonic intussusception and gastrointestinal duplication are diseases that arise in young children. The clinical presentation of adult cases of intussusception and enteric duplication is non-specific and thus poses a diagnostic challenge. A computed tomography (CT) scan is recommended in adult cases as the most sensitive diagnostic tool and the pathognomonic finding of outer intussuscepiens and central intussusceptum is diagnostic. A septum of a duplicated colon in a non-intussuscepted segment has been rarely reported in the literature. With advancements in radiological imaging technology and the increased availability of CT scanners, the capacity for a correct pre-operative diagnosis has been significantly enhanced. Our current case report illustrates the importance of considering an uncommon etiology for enteric intussusception and duplication as a differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in an adult patient. Our analyses of this patient also highlight the successful use of CT scanning to make this diagnosis.