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Bowel intussusceptions in adults: the role of imaging

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Abstract

Intestinal intussusception in adults is a rare condition, accounting for about 0.003–0.02 % of all hospital admissions. This condition in adults represents only 5 % of all cases of intussusceptions and is different from paediatric intussusception, which is usually idiopathic. In contrast, almost 90 % of cases in adults are secondary to various pathologies that serve as a lead point, such as polyps, Meckel’s diverticulum, colonic diverticulum, or malignant or benign neoplasm. The aim of the present study was to assess the capabilities of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in the diagnosis and correct characterisation of intussusception, especially in distinguishing between intussusceptions with a lead point and those without. Indeed, although the MSCT findings that help to differentiate between lead point and non-lead point intussusceptions have not been well studied, abdominal MSCT remains the most sensitive radiological tool to confirm bowel intussusceptions. Moreover, differentiating intussusceptions with a lead point condition from those without is crucial for directing the patient towards the most appropriate treatment, avoiding surgery when not necessary.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento medico chirurgico di Internistica Clinica e Sperimentale “Magrasi e Lanzara”-Sezione di Diagnostica per Immagini, Seconda Università di Napoli, Piazza Miraglia 2, 80138, Naples, Italy

    Francesco Somma, Angela Faggian, Nicola Serra, Gianluca Gatta, Francesca Iacobellis, Daniela Berritto, Alfonso Reginelli, Salvatore Cappabianca & Roberto Grassi

  2. Servizio di Radiologia, ASL di Teramo, Teramo, Italy

    Veronica Di Mizio

  3. Servizio di Radiologia, Ospedale S. Massimo, Penne, ASL Pescara, Pescara, Italy

    Roberto Di Mizio

  4. Via De Gasperi 162, 80053, Castellammare di Stabia (NA), Italy

    Francesco Somma

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  1. Francesco Somma
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  2. Angela Faggian
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Somma, F., Faggian, A., Serra, N. et al. Bowel intussusceptions in adults: the role of imaging. Radiol med 120, 105–117 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-014-0454-4

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