Reliability of the abdominal plain film diagnosis in pediatric patients with suspected intussusception

In order to reassess the diagnostic reliability of the abdominal plain film examination in suspected intussusception, the findings in 100 consecutive cases of this disorder were analysed. Then, these were compared with the same number of cases in which the diagnosis had been rejected by means of barium enema. It was found that a positive plain film diagnosis of intussusception was possible in 89 patients. In 11 cases inconclusive plain film findings called for supplementary barium enemas to establish the diagnosis. In the reference group intussusception was excluded on the basis of plain film findings alone in 74% of cases. In the remaining 26% of patients a barium enema proved necessary to reject the diagnosis of suspected intussusception.