Ileocolic intussusception caused by mass-forming fibro-granulation from healed ulcer masquerading as small bowel lipoma

Small bowel intussusception in adults is rare. Unlike children, adults with intussusception generally have a causative lead point, of which a majority is benign. We report the case of a 55-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus on steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs who presented with intermittent melena. Contrast computed tomography revealed intussusception of the terminal ileum, with a low density mass which had advanced into the cecum as the lead point. The patient was diagnosed with ileocolic intussusception. The mass was observed in the terminal ileum on colonoscopy, indicating spontaneous reduction. As endoscopic treatment did not appear feasible, laparoscopic small bowel resection was performed with no complications. The resected specimen revealed a pedunculated mass over a healed ulcer. Pathology showed a deep ulcer reaching the subserosa with fibro-granulation, with no evidence of mesenteric vasculitis, thrombus, bacteria, fungi, granulomas, lipoma, or other tumors. The patient was diagnosed with ileocolic intussusception due to a fibro-granulation mass formed on a healed ulcer. Based on the patient’s systemic lupus erythematosus being well controlled, the absence of other causative factors, and the discovery of several small bowel erosions on subsequent capsule endoscopy, the ulcer was strongly suspected to be drug induced. Both steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were reduced and proton pump inhibitors were discontinued by her rheumatologist after surgery. No recurrence has been observed during 4 months of follow-up.