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Sonographic features of small-bowel intussusception in pediatric patients

M M Tiao1, Y L Wan, S H Ng

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung University, Chang Gung Memorial Hospitals at Kaohsiung and Linkou, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Academic Emergency Medicine : Official Journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
|April 3, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric small-bowel intussusception (SBI) is hard to diagnose. Ultrasound can reveal a characteristic doughnut sign, aiding in early detection of this unusual condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Gastrointestinal Imaging
  • Abdominal Ultrasound

Background:

  • Small-bowel intussusception (SBI) is rare in children and often presents with vague symptoms.
  • Preoperative diagnosis of SBI in pediatric patients is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify key sonographic findings associated with pediatric small-bowel intussusception.
  • To improve the preoperative diagnostic accuracy of SBI in children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of sonographic and surgical findings in 13 pediatric patients with SBI.
  • Analysis of clinical presentations, imaging features, and surgical outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Nonspecific symptoms like vomiting and abdominal pain were common.
  • Ultrasound revealed a "doughnut" or "concentric rings" sign in 11 of 13 patients.
  • Lesions were typically 2-3.7 cm, short, and located in the left abdomen or paraumbilical region. Surgery confirmed various types of intussusceptions, with ischemia/necrosis and lead points often unrecognized preoperatively.

Conclusions:

  • Sonographic identification of a short, doughnut-like lesion (2-3 cm) in the left abdomen or paraumbilical area strongly suggests pediatric SBI.
  • Early ultrasound diagnosis can facilitate timely surgical intervention, potentially reducing complications like bowel ischemia.
Abstract

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