A RARE CASE OF ILEO-ILEAL INTUSSUSCEPTION

Abstract

Intussusception occurs when one segment of proximal bowel telescopes into the lumen of an adjacent distal segment of bowel, resulting in obstruction and possibly ischemic injury and death of the affected segment of the bowel. Only about 5 of all cases of intussusception are thought to occur in adults. Unlike the typical paediatric   presentation of acute onset, episodic abdominal pain, red current jelly stools, and vomiting, adults often present with a vague history of symptoms that might include diarrhoea,  constipation, and weight loss. Amongst the common causes of intussusception are Meckels diverticulum, Crohns  disease, postoperative recovery, celiac disease, local   inflammation resulting from pancreatitis, postoperative  adhesions and primary malignancy. An extremely rare  presentation is metastatic deposits from malignant melanoma causing ileo-ileal intussusceptions. Here I present a case of Ileo-Ileal intussusception, the cause being metastatic    malignant melanoma. A 50 year old male presented with features of intestinal obstruction and on investigations, the probable cause was found to be an intussusception.              Intra-operative findings were consistant with metastatic            deposits from the melanomatic patch on the foot.It was          confirmed by histopathological examinations. Hence,a high index of suspicion is required to diagnose such cases.