Intestinal Invagination Secondary to Vanek Tumor, A Rare Cause of Intestinal Obstruction in Adults: Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Mechanical intestinal obstruction is a common surgical condition with a wide range of causes, including intrinsic intestinal problems such as intestinal invagination. This condition is extremely rare in the adult population and is mostly caused by neoplasms. The clinical presentation, although varied, is typically gradual and nonspecific. Among intestinal neoplasms, inflammatory fibroid polyps (IFPs) are very rare, constituting less than 0.1% of gastrointestinal tract polyps.

Case Presentation: We present a 48-year-old female patient who presented with abdominal pain lasting for 1 month, with a 4-month history of constipation. A CT scan showed findings suggestive of pseudo-obstruction secondary to intestinal invagination. After an emergency laparotomy, histopathological analysis reported a Vanek tumor in the terminal ileum.

Discussion: Intestinal intussusception in adults is a rare condition, often caused by benign tumors that act as lead points. Inflammatory fibroid polyps (IFP), commonly located in the ileum, are such tumors. The symptoms are typically nonspecific, making early diagnosis challenging. In the presented case, a laparotomy was performed to address the obstruction and resect the tumor, which was histologically confirmed as an IFP. This case highlights the importance of considering these tumors in the differential diagnosis of adult intussusception and the need for timely surgical intervention.

Conclusion: IFPs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adult intussusception, especially in cases of chronic, non-specific symptoms and intestinal obstruction.