Neurologic Presentations of Pediatric Intussusception Lead to Diagnostic Delay and Increased Need for Surgery

Abstract

Background

Neurological presentations of pediatric intussusception lead to delayed diagnosis, higher rates of surgical intervention, and worse outcomes compared with classic presentations. These atypical manifestations, including lethargy, altered mental status, and rarely movement disorders, may predominate and redirect evaluation toward primary neurological etiologies, delaying recognition of this reversible surgical emergency.

Case Presentation

A previously healthy 2-year-old boy presented with clustered orofacial dyskinesias and irregular upper-extremity jerks without exposure to dopamine-receptor antagonists. He was initially misdiagnosed with tardive dyskinesia and treated with biperiden without improvement. Neurologic examination and brain magnetic resonance imaging were normal. During observation, he developed bilious vomiting. Abdominal imaging revealed ileocolic intussusception. Pneumatic reduction was unsuccessful, and surgical exploration demonstrated an invaginated Meckel diverticulum with ischemic bowel requiring resection. Abnormal movements resolved completely following surgery.

Methods

We conducted a systematic case-based review of published pediatric cases of intussusception presenting with neurological manifestations.

Results

Neurological symptoms—most commonly lethargy and altered mental status—frequently dominated the initial presentation and contributed to significant diagnostic delay (median 12 hours vs 5 hours in classic presentations, P < 0.001). Critically, patients with neurological presentations required surgical intervention in 60% of cases compared with 18% of classic presentations (P < 0.001), with approximately one-quarter of surgical patients requiring bowel resection, reflecting more advanced disease at diagnosis.

Conclusion

Intussusception should be considered in infants and young children with unexplained acute neurological symptoms, particularly when initial neurologic evaluation is unrevealing. Early abdominal imaging may prevent diagnostic delay in this reversible surgical emergency.