Pediatric intussusception: A Case Series and Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Intussusception is the major cause of acute intestinal obstruction in infants. The classic clinical triad of intussusception is colicky abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody stools. However, only 20% of patients present with this triad. Objectives: The objective of this article with a series of cases of intussusception is to review the spectrum of clinical presentation of this disease entity. Methods and Results: We describe 3 patients with intussusception that presented to our Emergency Department (ED) with different complaints. Also this article reviews diagnosis and management strategies of intussusception. Conclusions: Clinical suspicion is the key for diagnosis. This article highlights the importance of suspecting intussusception by the ED physician in any child with abdominal pain, gastrointestinal symptoms or altered mental status.