Simultaneous intussusception associated with adenovirus infection in monozygotic twins

Rationale: Intussusception, a common cause of intestinal obstruction in children, typically requires medical reduction. Here, we describe the case of a pair of twins who had simultaneous intussusception and were positive for fecal adenovirus—strongly indicating that adenovirus infection may be a main cause of the intussusception. Patient concerns: Two 1-year-old twin girls were brought to Cathay General Hospital one after another on the same day. Both presented with intermittent abdominal pain, abdominal distension, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Diagnoses: Their laboratory data were adenovirus positivity in rectal swab culture. Intussusception was diagnosed through a lower gastrointestinal series. Interventions: The twins were treated with reduction for intussusception. Outcomes: Both patients recovered well, without recurrence. Lessons: Most cases of intussusception are idiopathic. However, some potential risk factors—as strongly suggested by the current cases—are genetic factors and adenovirus infection.