Intussusception. Part 1: a review of diagnostic approaches
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2026
Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada. alan.daneman@sickkids.ca
Insights
Diagnosing childhood intussusception, a serious bowel condition, can be challenging. Imaging like ultrasound and X-rays are crucial for prompt and accurate diagnosis to prevent severe complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Symptomatic intussusception in children most commonly occurs in the ileum.
- Clinical diagnosis of idiopathic intussusception can be challenging.
- Delayed diagnosis may lead to severe complications including bowel ischemia, perforation, and shock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current concepts and controversial issues in the imaging diagnosis of intussusception.
- To emphasize the importance of prompt and accurate diagnosis through imaging.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on intussusception diagnosis.
- Discussion of imaging modalities including sonography, plain abdominal radiographs, and contrast/air enema.
Main Results:
- Intussusception diagnosis often relies on imaging due to clinical diagnostic difficulties.
- Sonography, plain abdominal radiographs, and contrast/air enema are key imaging tools.
Conclusions:
- Accurate and timely imaging is essential for diagnosing intussusception in children.
- Understanding imaging techniques and controversies aids in effective patient management.
Abstract:
The vast majority of symptomatic intussusceptions in children arise in the ileum and are either ileocolic or ileoileocolic. The clinical diagnosis of these "idiopathic" intussusceptions may be difficult to make. Failure to make a prompt diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment may lead to bowel ischemia, perforation, peritonitis, shock and even death. The clinician, therefore, may have to rely on imaging procedures to diagnose or exclude the presence of intussusception promptly and accurately. The imaging diagnosis of intussusception can be made with sonography or plain abdominal radiographs or by contrast (including air) enema examinations of the colon. This article highlights the current concepts and some controversial issues related to the imaging diagnosis of intussusception.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
01:29Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
01:07Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
01:25Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...