Adenovirus-Induced Intussusception in a 3-Year-Old Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Intussusception is characterised by invagination of the proximal bowel segment into the lumen of a distal segment leading to acute bowel obstruction. In the pediatric population, idiopathic ileocolic intussusception is the most common form with a small subset of the patient's presenting with concurrent adenovirus infection. We present a rare case of adenovirus-induced intussusception in a pediatric patient, highlighting the potential association of viral factors and GI conditions. Three y/o male presents’ with a 3-day history of fever, vomiting and colicky abdominal pain. Imaging tests revealed characteristic “target sign” which along with the presenting symptoms confirmed the diagnosis of ileocolic intussusception. Due to the persistence and severity of the patient's symptoms, surgical intervention was undertaken to relieve the obstruction and a subsequent PCR confirmed concurrent adenovirus infection. Although a causative factor for only a subset of pediatric intussusception cases, it remains necessary nevertheless to understand the pathogenesis and raise awareness among healthcare workers of the potential link between adenovirus infection and intussusception in the pediatric population. Key words: Intussusception, Target sign, Surgical Intervention, PCR, Adenovirus.