Intussusception in adults

Intussusception in adults is a rare entity that it is generally caused by d efinable intraluminal pathology. We report four cases of adult intussuscept ion caused by lymphoma of the terminal ileum (2), an inflamed appendix (I) and a mucosal polyp (1). All presented with a variety of nonspecific and ch ronic symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, consistent w ith partial small bowel obstruction. Only one patient had palpable masses i n the abdomen. The most useful diagnostic radiological method was computed tomography ((CT), which showed "target" lesions. The presence of the charac teristic "target" lesion may obviate the need for further studies, includin g a barium enema. As in the cases reported here, treatment involves more th an simple reduction; surgical resection is usually indicated.