intussusception

Intussusception is a rare but serious disorder that occurs when one part of the intestine slides into another part, like a collapsible telescope [1]. This condition involves one segment of the intestine folding partially inside another segment, causing a blockage [2].

The most common symptom of intussusception is sudden onset of intermittent pain in a previously well child [3]. The symptoms can vary from child to child, but this is often the first sign that something is wrong.

Intussusception is defined as the invagination (telescoping) of a part of the intestine into itself [5], or more specifically, the telescoping of a proximal segment of intestine (intussusceptum) into a distal segment of intestine (intussuscipiens) [7]. This condition can be conceptually simple to understand, as it refers to invagination or telescoping of one bowel segment into another [8].

In medical terms, intussusception is defined as the folding in of an outer layer so as to form a pocket in the surface [10], which can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [2] - Context result 2 [3] - Context result 3 [5] - Context result 5 [7] - Context result 7 [8] - Context result 8 [10] - Context result 10

Intussusception is a medical condition where a portion of the intestine telescopes into another, leading to bowel obstruction and potentially life-threatening complications. The signs and symptoms of intussusception can vary depending on age, but here are some common indicators:

• Abdominal pain: This is the most common symptom, which can come and go in children, while adults may experience constant or intermittent pain [1][2].
• Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms, with some individuals experiencing vomiting of bile [3].
• Bloating: Intussusception can cause bloating, which may be accompanied by abdominal distension.
• Blood in stool: In some cases, people may pass stools containing blood or have bloody diarrhea.
• Fever: A fever greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit is a possible symptom, indicating infection [4].
• Irritability and lethargy: Infants and children may become irritable, cry loudly, and strain due to abdominal pain [5][6].

In adults, intussusception can also cause:

• Abdominal tenderness: The affected area may be tender to the touch.
• Mass in the abdomen: A sausage-shaped mass may be palpable in the right hypochondrium region.

It's essential to seek medical attention immediately if you or your child experience any of these symptoms, as intussusception can lead to severe complications, including bowel obstruction, ischemia, and perforation.

Intussusception, a condition where one portion of the intestine slides into another, can be diagnosed using various diagnostic tests. Here are some of the common diagnostic tests used to diagnose intussusception:

• Abdominal X-ray: This test may show signs of intestinal obstruction, which is a possible complication of intussusception [4].
• Ultrasound: This is often considered the radiologic test of choice for diagnosing intussusception in children and adults. It uses sound waves to create images of the internal organs, allowing doctors to visualize the affected area [3][5].
• Contrast enema: A water-soluble contrast or air enema can be used as both a diagnostic procedure and a treatment for intussusception. This involves injecting a liquid or gas into the intestine through the rectum to help diagnose and potentially treat the condition [1].
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: Although not typically indicated for diagnosing intussusception, CT scans may be used in some cases to evaluate abdominal pain and other symptoms [6].

It's worth noting that the assessment of intussusception differs between pediatric and adult populations. In children, intussusception is often idiopathic and benign, whereas in adults, it can be caused by various factors such as tumors or inflammation [3].

Intussusception, a condition where one portion of the intestine telescopes into another, can be treated with various methods depending on the age and severity of the condition.

Treatment Options for Intussusception

• Air or Contrast Enema: In some cases, intussusception may be temporary and go away without treatment. However, if the condition persists, a water-soluble contrast enema or an air enema can be used to straighten out the telescoping in the intestine [1][2].
• Surgery: As opposed to the pediatric population, the treatment of intussusception causing obstruction in adults typically involves surgery, often with bowel resection [3]. Surgery is usually recommended for adults and people who are acutely ill.
• Pain Control and Supportive Care: It is essential to provide pain control, antiemetics, IV hydration, nasogastric tube, and possibly antibiotics depending upon the patients' presentation [4].

Key Points

• Intussusception can be treated with air or contrast enema in some cases.
• Surgery is usually recommended for adults and people who are acutely ill.
• Pain control and supportive care are essential in managing intussusception.

References:

[1] Context: 2. Treatment involves using an air or contrast enema (the same procedure used for diagnosis) to straighten out the telescoping in your child's intestine. This is a ...

[2] Context: 7. Treatment. Many intussusceptions are fixed with an air enema. If your child needs an air enema, he will be given a medicine (sedation) to help him sleep so he ...

[3] Context: 3. As opposed to the pediatric population, the treatment of intussusception causing obstruction in adults typically involves surgery, often with bowel resection.

[4] Context: 6. by A Brill · 2023 · Cited by 30 — It is essential to provide pain control, antiemetics, IV hydration, nasogastric tube, and possibly antibiotics depending upon the patients' presentation.

Intussusception, a serious disorder where one part of the intestine slides into another, has several differential diagnoses that must be considered for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Common Differential Diagnoses

• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can sometimes mimic the symptoms of intussusception [2].
• Volvulus: A condition where a portion of the intestine twists around itself, which can cause similar symptoms to intussusception [2].
• Small bowel obstruction: A blockage in the small intestine that can lead to similar symptoms as intussusception [2].
• Large bowel obstruction: A blockage in the large intestine that can also present with similar symptoms [2].
• Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, which can sometimes be mistaken for intussusception due to similar abdominal pain and tenderness [8].

Other Differential Diagnoses

• Meckel diverticulum: A small pouch in the wall of the lower part of the intestine that can act as a lead point for intussusception [3].
• Polyp: A growth on the inside of the colon or rectum that can cause symptoms similar to intussusception [3].
• Duplication cyst: A rare congenital anomaly where there is an extra, non-functional part of the intestine that can sometimes lead to intussusception [3].
• Tumor: A growth in the intestine that can cause symptoms similar to intussusception [3].
• Hematoma: Bleeding into the intestinal wall that can cause symptoms similar to intussusception [3].
• Vascular malformation: An abnormal formation of blood vessels in the intestine that can sometimes lead to intussusception [3].

Imaging and Laboratory Findings

On imaging, ultrasound and CT scans are characteristic for intussusception. However, transient intussusception may also present with similar findings, making differential diagnosis crucial [5]. Laboratory values typically reveal an elevated white blood cell count and nonspecific findings [4].

Clinical Presentation

The majority of patients with intussusception require operative intervention, and the differential diagnosis includes distal intestinal obstruction syndrome and appendicitis [6]. In rare cases, a rectal mass may be palpable or a prolapse through the anus may be seen [8].

References:

[1] Not provided in context [2] Context 2 [3] Context 3 [4] Context 4 [5] Context 5 [6] Context 6 [7] Not provided in context [8] Context 8