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Ultrasonographic findings of intussusception in pediatric cases

Umit Yasar Ayaz1, Alper Dilli, Sevin Ayaz

  • 1Department of Radiology, Ministry of Health, Mersin Women's and Children's Hospital, 33240 Halkkent, Mersin, Türkiye. umityasarayaz@yahoo.com

Medical Ultrasonography
|December 2, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Ultrasonography (US) effectively characterizes pediatric intussusception dimensions and locations, correlating well with clinical findings. This imaging modality is crucial for diagnosing intussusception in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Gastrointestinal Imaging
  • Abdominal Ultrasonography

Background:

  • Intussusception is a common cause of bowel obstruction in infants and children.
  • Accurate diagnosis and characterization are essential for timely and appropriate management.
  • Ultrasonography has emerged as a primary imaging modality for suspected intussusception.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize ultrasonographic (US) features, locations, and dimensions of pediatric intussusceptions.
  • To compare US findings with clinical presentation and therapeutic outcomes.
  • To establish US as a reliable tool for diagnosing and managing intussusception.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective evaluation of abdominal US examinations and clinical data from 13 pediatric patients.
  • Classification of intussusceptions based on type (ileocolic vs. colocolic involvement) and treatment modality (surgical vs. non-surgical).
  • Analysis of intussusception dimensions (diameter and length) and location.

Main Results:

  • Mean intussusception diameter was 30+/-5 mm and mean length was 59+/-21 mm across all cases.
  • Ileocolic intussusceptions (n=9) averaged 29.1+/-4.4 mm in diameter and 61.7+/-18.1 mm in length, commonly located in the right upper quadrant.
  • Intussusceptions with colocolic involvement (n=2) were larger (mean diameter 37.5+/-0.7 mm) and longer (mean length 75.5+/-21.9 mm), with statistically significant differences in diameter compared to ileocolic types (p=0.03).

Conclusions:

  • Ultrasonography demonstrates a strong correlation with surgical findings in pediatric intussusception.
  • US is recommended for all children with suspected intussusception, guiding diagnosis and management.
  • Key US findings include a target-like or sandwich-like appearance with specific dimensions indicative of intussusception.
Abstract

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