SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Intussusception in an Infant Admitted With Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Covid-19

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A previously healthy 4-month-old infant was admitted with vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and recent COVID-19 infection. He initially had fever, mild cough, and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, but his respiratory symptoms improved while gastrointestinal symptoms worsened over 48 hours. In the emergency department he had additional emesis despite ondansetron and IV fluids, and was hospitalized for rehydration.<br /><br />During the first 12 hours, he failed to improve clinically and remained tachycardic and increasingly fussy. Because of this, abdominal imaging was obtained. X-ray and ultrasound showed a massive ileocolic intussusception with dilated, fluid-filled small bowel loops and the classic “target sign.” Pediatric surgery was consulted, and an air contrast enema successfully reduced the intussusception without complications.<br /><br />After reduction, the infant’s vomiting and diarrhea resolved. He was observed overnight, then discharged once he was tolerating his normal diet and appeared clinically improved.<br /><br />The report emphasizes that gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are increasingly recognized in children with COVID-19, especially infants. It highlights intussusception as a serious but treatable cause of bowel obstruction in infancy, where delayed diagnosis can lead to bowel ischemia, perforation, and peritonitis. The case adds to growing evidence that COVID-19 may be associated with intussusception in young children and supports maintaining a high index of suspicion for intussusception in infants hospitalized with COVID-19 and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Asset Subtitle

Maggie Y. Chang

Meta Tag

Author List Corrie A. Harris, David Foley, Maggie Y. Chang

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Intussusception

Concept Ileocolic Intussusception

Concept Target Sign

Concept Air Contrast Enema

Concept Intestinal Ischemia

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Louisville School of Medicine

Presenting Author Maggie Y. Chang

Track Pediatric

Keywords

COVID-19

infant

intussusception

vomiting

diarrhea

dehydration

SARS-CoV-2

abdominal imaging

target sign

air contrast enema

Intussusception

Ileocolic Intussusception

Target Sign

Air Contrast Enema

Intestinal Ischemia