Learning objectives
To review the causes,
features and complications of pediatric intussusception;
To identify and recognize the radiological imaging findings in these patients,with an emphasis on ultrasound;
To describe potential imaging-guided treatments.
Background
Intussusception is defined as the invagination of a segment of the bowel into the adjacent bowel segment.
It’s one of the most common causes of abdominal pain and acute bowel obstruction in children and can lead to significant complications.
The majority of pediatric intussusceptions are idiopathic.
They occur more frequently in young children,
and there is a male predominance.
Both small and large bowel can be involved; however,
intussusception involving the ileocecal junction is the most common type.
The diagnosis and treatment of intussusception can...
Findings and procedure details
Definition,
prevalence,
etiology and complications
Intussusception is one of the leading causes of acute abdomen in childhood,
and it is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and management.
It is defined as the invagination of a portion of the proximal bowel (intussusceptum) into a contiguous segment of the distal bowel (intussuscipiens).
Both small and large bowel can be involved,
but ileocolic intussusceptions represent the majority of cases,
more than 80%,
with the terminal ileum acting as the intussusceptum and the ascending colon as the...
Conclusion
Diagnosing an intussusception can be challenging because of its non-specific symptoms,
and missing imagiologic features can be devastating for the patient.
As such,
it is essential to be aware and recognize the ultrasound features of intussusception and its potential radiological management options,
to allow prompt diagnosis and early treatment in order to reduce morbidity and mortality.
References
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Pigg N,
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Intussusception: past,
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Fiegel H,
Gfroerer S,
et al.
Systematic review shows that pathological lead points are important and frequent in intussusception and are not limited to infants.
Acta Paediatr.
2016 Nov; 105(11):1275-1279;
Gluckman S,
Karpelowsky J,
et al.
Management for intussusception in children.
Cochrane Database Syst Ver.
2017 Jun1; 6:CD006476;
Gale H,
Gee M,
et al.
Abdominal ultrasonography of pediatric gastrointestinal tract.
World J Radiol.
2016 Jul 28; 8(7): 656-667;...