Intussusception

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2008 Nov;24(11):793-800. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0b013e31818c2a3e.

Abstract

Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in children between 3 months and 6 years. Intussusception occurs when a more proximal portion of bowel invaginates into more distal bowel. These patients often present with a wide range of non-specific symptoms, with less than one quarter presenting with the classic triad of vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody stools. Thus, the diagnosis continues to rely on clinical suspicion. This review article discusses the clinical presentation of intussusception and the state-of-the art diagnostic and treatment options, as well as a review of the pertinent literature.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen, Acute / diagnosis
  • Abdomen, Acute / etiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Emergency Treatment / methods*
  • Female
  • Fluid Therapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Intussusception / diagnosis*
  • Intussusception / etiology
  • Intussusception / therapy*
  • Laparotomy / methods*
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Radiography, Abdominal / methods
  • Radiology, Interventional / methods*
  • Recurrence
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler