Colocolonic intussusception in an adult cystic fibrosis patient

Purpose

To raise awareness of colocolonic intussusception as a gastrointestinal complication of CF mimicking distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) and discuss risk of recurrence.

Case summary

A 33-year-old Caucasian male with cystic fibrosis presented with an acute abdomen diagnosed via imaging as colocolonic intussusception. He was managed with fluid replacement therapy and polyethylene glycol. He was re-admitted due to recurrence likely secondary to recurrent constipation and development of a fecalith. Surgery was contraindicated due to absence of tissue ischemia or necrosis.

Discussion

Several possible etiological factors have been described, especially some that tend to occur within the context of CF disease, such as DIOS and PERT, and symptoms of colocolonic intussusception are similar to those of other causes of an acute abdomen but distinguishable by advanced imaging modalities. Due to risk of recurrence, an etiology of intussusception should be sought.

Conclusion

Colo-colonic intussusception is a rare cause of an acute abdomen in the adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patient and may be associated with underlying constipation or presence of a fecalith.