Intussusception Ultrasound
Intussusception is a condition where one part of the intestine slides into another, causing a blockage. It is most commonly seen in infants and young children. Ultrasound is the preferred imaging method for detecting intussusception because it is fast, accurate, and does not involve radiation. This article explains what intussusception looks like on ultrasound and what that means for diagnosis and treatment.
What Is Intussusception?
Intussusception is a condition in which a segment of the intestine “telescopes” into an adjacent section. This blocks food and fluid from passing through, and can cut off blood supply to the affected area. Most often, it occurs in infants and young children under the age of three, but it can sometimes be seen in older children and adults. Early diagnosis is key to preventing complications, and that’s where ultrasound plays an essential role.
Ultrasound: The Best First Test
Ultrasound is the first-line imaging test used to detect intussusception. It is painless, does not involve radiation, and gives fast results. It works by using sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. When a child is brought to the emergency department with symptoms like belly pain, vomiting, and bloody stools, an ultrasound is often ordered to look for signs of intussusception.
What Radiologists Look for on Ultrasound
Radiologists are trained to spot intussusception on ultrasound. The classic appearance is known as the “target sign” or “donut sign.” This shows up as a round, layered shape on the screen when the ultrasound probe is placed across the bowel.
Another view shows a “pseudokidney sign,” which looks like a kidney shape due to the overlapping bowel walls. These patterns indicate that a segment of bowel has folded into itself.
Why Ultrasound Is So Reliable for Intussusception
Ultrasound is highly sensitive for detecting intussusception, with accuracy rates above 90 percent. It can also help rule out other causes of abdominal pain. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasound doesn’t expose a child to radiation, making it a safer choice—especially in repeated imaging studies.
Sometimes, an ultrasound may also show complications like fluid collection around the bowel, swollen lymph nodes, or lack of blood flow to the intestine. These findings may suggest a more urgent case that requires surgical attention.
How the Ultrasound Helps Guide Treatment
Once intussusception is confirmed on ultrasound, treatment can begin quickly. The most common method is a special enema, often guided by either air or contrast and done under imaging supervision. This not only diagnoses but also treats the problem in many cases.
If the enema doesn’t work or if the bowel looks damaged, surgery may be needed. Follow-up ultrasounds are sometimes done after treatment to make sure the bowel has returned to normal.
Intussusception in Adults: Less Common, Different Causes
While intussusception is most common in children, it can occur in adults, though rarely. In adults, the condition is often due to a structural problem like a tumor or polyp acting as a “lead point” that triggers the telescoping. In these cases, ultrasound can still help, but CT scans are often used as well.
What Parents Should Know About the Report
If your child’s ultrasound report mentions intussusception, it likely means the condition was clearly seen on the scan. Look for terms like “target sign,” “bowel-within-bowel,” or “concentric rings.” Radiologists also include details about the size of the intussusception, whether there is any fluid, and signs of bowel distress.
Common Questions About Intussusception Imaging
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Can ultrasound miss intussusception?
Yes, especially if the bowel has moved back to its normal position before the scan. However, skilled ultrasound technicians and radiologists know to check thoroughly, especially if symptoms are still present. -
Is it painful for the child?
The ultrasound itself is not painful. Children may be uncomfortable due to the belly pain, but the scan is gentle and usually well-tolerated. -
How long does it take?
Most ultrasound exams for suspected intussusception take about 15 to 30 minutes.
Conclusion: Fast Diagnosis, Better Outcomes
Ultrasound plays an important role in the early diagnosis and management of intussusception. It’s fast, safe, and accurate. If this term shows up on a radiology report, it means the imaging has likely provided the answer that doctors need to take the next steps. Parents should feel reassured knowing that intussusception, when caught early through ultrasound, is treatable and often resolves without surgery.
References:
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10793-intussusception
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431078/
- https://www.ajronline.org/doi/10.2214/ajr.183.3.1830691