Role of ultrasonography in dagnosis of acute intussusception in children

ABSTRACT

Intussusception represents the most common abdominal emergency in early childhood. To assess the diagnostic value of ultrasonography in clinically suspected acute intussusception, we compared U.S and barium enema studies in 24 infants and young children. Ninteen cases were diagnosed as intussusception by the presence of the characteristic, sonographic appearance [doughnut and pseudo kidney sign]. All cases were examined with barium enema under fluoroscopic guidance for confirmation of the diagnosis and as a trial for hydrostatic reduction [partial or complete] of the positive cases. The sensitivity of U.S was 100%in detection of the intestinal mass. Complete barium reduction was successful in 14 out of the 19 cases of intussusception. Ultrasound and barium enema compare favourable to each other for the diagnosis of intussusception. However, US is easier and less time consuming