A 10 month old infants present with acute intestinal obstruction. Contrast enema X-ray shows the intussusceptions. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
**Core Concept**
Intussusception is a condition where a part of the intestine telescopes into another part, leading to obstruction and potentially ischemia. It is a common cause of intestinal obstruction in infants and children, often presenting with abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody stools.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The most common cause of intussusception in infants is a lead point, which is a mass or abnormality that triggers the telescoping of the intestine. In this case, the lead point is often a **Meckel's diverticulum**, a congenital anomaly of the small intestine that contains ectopic gastric mucosa. The ectopic gastric mucosa can produce acid, leading to inflammation and subsequent intussusception.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Lymphoma is a rare cause of intussusception in children and is not the most likely cause in this scenario.
* **Option B:** A foreign body is a possible cause of intussusception, but it is less common than a lead point like Meckel's diverticulum.
* **Option D:** A polyp is a possible cause of intussusception, but it is more common in adults and is not the most likely cause in this scenario.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Meckel's diverticulum is a common congenital anomaly of the small intestine and is often asymptomatic. However, it can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, intussusception, or obstruction if it becomes inflamed or telescopes into the adjacent intestine.
**Correct Answer:** C.