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Neurological symptoms in children with intussusception.
K J Kleizen1, A Hunck, M H Wijnen
1Department of Paediatrics, Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. k.kleizen@cukz.umcn.nl
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|August 14, 2009
Summary
Intussusception can present with neurological symptoms like lethargy in young children, even without typical signs. Consider this diagnosis in pediatric patients with altered consciousness, hypotonia, or lethargy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Intussusception classically presents with abdominal pain, vomiting, and rectal bleeding, but these signs are infrequent in children.
- Neurological manifestations of intussusception are recognized but not well-characterized, leading to diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and nature of neurological signs and symptoms in pediatric intussusception.
- To describe the characteristics of children with intussusception who present atypically with neurological symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 58 children diagnosed with intussusception between 2003 and 2008.
- Analysis of medical records for abdominal and neurological signs/symptoms, symptom duration, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Neurological symptoms were observed in 17% (10/58) of pediatric intussusception cases.
- Lethargy was the most common neurological symptom, followed by hypotonia and fluctuating consciousness.
- Patients with neurological abnormalities were younger and had shorter symptom durations; their treatment was not significantly more invasive.
Conclusions:
- Intussusception should be considered in the differential diagnosis for young children presenting with lethargy, hypotonia, or altered consciousness.
- The presence of neurological symptoms, even without classical signs, warrants consideration of intussusception in pediatric patients.
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