Multiple small bowel intussusceptions as a feature of celiac disease

Abstract

Intussusception is commonly associated with celiac disease in adults. However, it is rarely reported in children in radiology journals. Here, we report a case of a 3-year-old girl with celiac disease presented with complaints of intermittent abdominal pain, distension, and vomiting for 6 months. The patient was underweight (8.6 kg). Her X-ray of the abdomen standing revealed abnormal air-fluid levels and ultrasound of the abdomen revealed single small bowel intussusception. Contrast-enhanced CT abdomen done before planning surgery and it revealed five small bowel intussusceptions with few dilated small bowel loops. Her IgA antibodies to tissue transglutaminase were done to look for the cause of failure to thrive and its titer raised significantly. Gluten-free diet was started for her and symptoms were resolved within 7 days without surgical management.