Double intussusceptions in the small intestine caused by metastatic renal cell carcinoma: report of a case

Surg Today. 2006;36(1):85-8. doi: 10.1007/s00595-005-3093-5.

Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) may metastasize to almost any organ, but it is unlikely to be a direct cause of intussusception. We report a case of double enteric intussusceptions caused by metastatic RCC in a 64-year-old man. The patient presented with intermittent abdominal pain and diarrhea 11 years after undergoing a radical nephrectomy. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed two enhanced masses with the "target" sign, suggesting enteric intussusceptions. We performed partial enterectomy, and histological examination confirmed that the tumors had originated from RCC. To our knowledge, this is the first report of metastases from RCC manifesting as synchronous intraluminal polypoid tumors serving as the lead points of two intussusceptions in the small intestine. Thus, the possibility of multiple tumor metastases in the small intestine, with or without intussusceptions, should be considered in patients with recurrent RCC.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / pathology
  • Humans
  • Ileal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ileal Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Intestine, Small / pathology*
  • Intussusception / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged