Chronic intussusception in children

Three children with chronic intussusception are reported together with a review of the literature. Neither the palpation of a mass nor the passage of blood per rectum was necessary for the diagnosis. Weight loss was seen in each case and 1 child was investigated for malabsorption. In all 3 children there was a delay in diagnosis, and it is suggested that a chronic intussusception should be considered more frequently in children with persistent abdominal symptoms for which no cause can be found. Although a barium enema was helpful diagnostically, it did not result in the reduction of the intussusception. The problem of a recurrence after a reduction and its subsequent management is discussed.