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Validity of plain films in intussusception
J Alberto Hernandez1, Leonard E Swischuk, Carlos A Angel
1Department of Radiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA. jahernan@utmb.edu
Emergency Radiology
|July 28, 2004
Summary
Plain abdominal X-rays are often inconclusive for diagnosing intussusception, with normal or non-specific findings in most cases. Further imaging like ultrasound is frequently necessary for accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pediatric Imaging
Background:
- Intussusception is a common surgical emergency in infants and children.
- Plain abdominal radiography is a traditional initial imaging modality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and specificity of plain film findings for intussusception.
- To assess the utility of plain radiography in the detection of intussusception.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of plain abdominal films in 80 confirmed intussusception cases.
- Analysis of specific radiographic findings: bowel obstruction, paucity of right lower quadrant gas, intracolonic mass, target sign, and classic triad.
Main Results:
- Plain films were diagnostic in only 29% of cases.
- 24% of patients had completely normal abdominal films.
- Specific signs like mass or target sign were present in only 29% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Plain abdominal radiography has limited specificity for diagnosing intussusception.
- Most patients require additional imaging, preferably ultrasound, for definitive diagnosis.