Related Experiment Videos
Intussusception: characteristic radiolucencies on the abdominal radiograph
1Department of Radiology, St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University Medical College, Seoul, Korea.
Pediatric Radiology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Abnormal radiolucencies in soft tissue masses on abdominal radiographs are characteristic signs of intussusception. This finding helps differentiate intussusception from other conditions in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pediatric Imaging
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Intussusception is a common cause of bowel obstruction in infants and young children.
- Accurate radiographic diagnosis is crucial for timely intervention.
- Characteristic imaging findings can improve diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the radiographic features of intussusception on plain abdominal radiographs.
- To determine the diagnostic value of specific radiolucent findings in the soft tissue mass.
- To differentiate intussusception from other abdominal pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 625 abdominal radiographs (supine and erect) from 288 patients with intussusception and 310 controls.
- Analysis of soft tissue mass characteristics and presence of radiolucencies.
- Prospective computed tomography (CT) in five patients to confirm radiolucency composition.
Main Results:
- A soft tissue mass was present in 49% of intussusception episodes.
- Characteristic radiolucencies (target, crescentic, amorphous) were observed in 49.6% of soft tissue masses.
- Abnormal radiolucencies were rare in non-intussusception cases (2.3%).
- CT identified intussuscepted mesenteric fat as the source of radiolucencies.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal radiolucencies within a soft tissue mass on plain abdominal radiographs are highly characteristic of intussusception.
- These findings significantly aid in the diagnosis of intussusception.
- Radiolucencies are a valuable diagnostic marker in pediatric abdominal imaging.