In plain words
Intussusception is a blockage in the bowel. One section of the intestine folds into the next section, the way a telescope slides closed. The bowel can lose its blood supply if this is not fixed. It is rare, and it most often affects babies between about 3 and 12 months old. Early signs come and go. A baby may cry hard, pull up the legs, and then seem fine between episodes. Later signs include repeated vomiting, sleepiness, and stool that looks like red currant jelly. It is often confused with , which is not dangerous, so any new pattern of severe pain is worth a prompt check. This is an emergency. Call your baby's doctor or emergency services now if these signs appear.
The deeper version
Intussusception is invagination of a proximal bowel segment into a distal segment, most often ileocolic, producing mesenteric venous congestion, edema, and ischemia that can progress to perforation. It is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in infants between about 6 and 36 months, with incidence peaking at 3 to 12 months. Diagnosis is by ultrasound, which shows a target or pseudokidney sign, and reduction by air or contrast enema is first-line treatment in stable children (ACR Appropriateness Criteria). The classic triad of colicky pain, vomiting, and currant-jelly stool is present in a minority of cases, and lethargy can signal late ischemia. Most cases are idiopathic. The rotavirus vaccine RotaShield was withdrawn in 1999 after an excess of cases, and the risk with newer rotavirus vaccines is small and monitored.
Where it comes up
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What mothers here say about intussusception
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Sources
- American College of Radiology — ACR Appropriateness Criteria: Intussusception in Children
- American Academy of Pediatrics — HealthyChildren.org: Intussusception