Publication:

Abdominal intussusception associated with coeliac disease: case report and literature review

In genetically susceptible individuals, gluten ingestion triggers and immune infiltration and bowel damage in the classical pattern of coeliac disease, with variable symptoms. Intussusception is a condition where one segment of intestine ‘telescopes’ inside of another portion of intestine, which may cause symptoms of abdominal pain due to obstruction. Intussusception has been associated with coeliac disease. We report a 4-year-old girl presented with recurrent abdominal pain of variable severity and found to have intussusception on two occasions, which on both occasions reduced spontaneously during ultrasound examinations. She was later diagnosed with coeliac disease. This case highlights the importance of considering coeliac screening in patients with a history of recurrent abdominal pain and intussusception.