Case report highlights bowel obstruction due to enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis indicating diagnostic challenges.
Introduction/Objective Enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis (ELP) is a rare cause of localized bowel ischemia due to inflammation of small veins of the bowel wall and mesentery, presenting as bowel obstruction. We present a case of ELP with thickened bowel wall leading to ileocolic intussusception, highlighting the need for greater vigilance in diagnosing this rare entity. Methods/Case Report A middle-aged man presented with hematochezia, abdominal pain, nausea, and 4-6 episodes of diarrhea daily. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a pathologic lead point for ileocolic intussusception with wall thickening, raising concerns for a tumor. Subsequently, the patient underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Grossly, the mucosal surface of the resected colon appeared pale tan, edematous, and hemorrhagic without any mass or perforation. Histopathological examination showed diffuse edema, congestion, ulceration, ischemic mucosal necrosis, transmural inflammation, hemorrhage, and serosal adhesions. The small and medium-sized venous vessels were involved with perivascular lymphocytic inflammation and fibrinoid necrosis, confirming the diagnosis of enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis. Results NA Conclusion This case emphasizes the diagnostic challenge of ELP, a rare inflammatory vascular disorder, as a lead point for adult intussusception and often misinterpreted as a tumor. This case highlights the importance of considering unconventional vascular etiology, such as ELP, resulting in adult intussusception.
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Aryal et al. (2025) studied this question.
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