ABSTRACT
Perinatal intussusception is rare, but can be seen in both premature and full-term
neonates. The symptoms and signs are similar to those seen in necrotizing enterocolitis
(NEC), causing the diagnosis of intussusception to be delayed. We report a case of
intussusception that presented with features suggestive of NEC in a 3.4-kg, full-term
female neonate. Diagnosis of intussusception was made with a plain abdominal x-ray
and abdominal ultrasound. During surgery, an ileocolic intussusception with intestinal
stenosis was found. Although intestinal stenosis and atresia are commonly found in
premature infants, these entities can also occur in a full-term infant. Early diagnosis
is needed to reduce the high morbidity and mortality in these infants.
KEYWORDS
Intussusception - intestinal stenosis - necrotizing enterocolitis
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Olakayode O Ogundoyin
Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University College Hospital
PMB 5116, Ibadan, Nigeria
