Clinicopathologic spectrum and management of neonatal intussusception

The etiology, clinical presentation, and management of neonatal intussusception differs markedly from the more common infantile variety. This report summarizes the clinical course of three neonates with intussusception seen during the past 5 years. Bilious emesis, rectal bleeding, and abdominal distension were the cardinal symptoms in these neonates. A contrast enema was diagnostic in one patient but hydrostatic reduction of the intussusception was not possible. One patient had a Meckel's diverticulum and another had an ileocecal duplication cyst. In-utero intussusception of a Meckel's diverticulum was the cause of a gap-type ileal atresia in the third patient. Surgical excision of the causative lesion was performed in all three patients.