Intussusception (children)

Definition:

A telescoping of one portion of the intestine into another, which results in decreased blood supply of the involved segment.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

This condition results in an obstruction of the intestine and strangulation of the segment of intestine which has been pulled inside the lower intestinal segment. The pressure created by the two walls of the intestine pressing together causes inflammation, swelling and decreased blood flow. Death of bowel tissue can occur with significant bleeding, perforation, and infection. Shock and dehydration can occur very rapidly. The cause of intussusception is not known although viral infections may be a possible cause. It affects boys 3 times more often than girls. Most cases occur in children between 5 months and 1 year of age.

Intussusception often begins with sudden loud and pained crying caused by abdominal pain. The pain is colicky and intermittent but recurs frequently increasing in both intensity and duration. As the condition progresses the infant may become weak and then shocky. Vomiting and fever are common and about half of the infants will pass bloody mucousy stool sometimes referred to as a "currant jelly" stool.

Early diagnosis is important in order to salvage both the bowel and the infant.