The significance of small bowel intussusception in acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

The etiology, radiographic diagnosis, and surgical management of small bowel intussusception in adults have been well documented in the literature. It has been shown that unlike the intussusceptions seen in infants, the adult variety is in most cases associated with a focal pathological process and that surgical reductions and often segmental resections are indicated. We have recently examined a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome presenting with small bowel intussusception who at surgery showed no evidence of a leading pathological cause. The purpose herein is to underline the potential development of transitory intussusceptions in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, based on the common association of diffuse enteritis. In these patients, a correct interpretation of the radiographic findings may prevent unnecessary surgical explorations.