Published in:
01-08-2006
Transient small bowel intussusceptions: ultrasound findings and clinical significance
Published in: Abdominal Radiology | Issue 4/2006
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Purpose
To study the ultrasound (US) findings and clinical significance of transient small bowel intussusceptions (TSBI) in adults and children.
Methods
Clinical records and US findings of 108 consecutive patients of intestinal intussusception diagnosed on US between August 1995 and August 2004 were reviewed. In all cases, the length, diameter, wall thickness and color Doppler study of the bowel segment involved in intussusception were evaluated. Subsequent follow-up scans were performed at 30 min, 3 days and 2 weeks. Patients were clinically followed up for 6 months.
Results
Forty-one patients were diagnosed as TSBI. Thirty-six intussusceptions were incidentally detected during US performed for some unrelated disease or vague abdominal symptom. Five patients presented with signs of obstruction at the time of the initial US diagnosis; however, the intussusceptions resolved without any treatment and were not detected on follow-up scans. Sixty-seven symptomatic patients required surgical intervention.
Conclusion
Incidentally detected, small bowel intussusceptions without an identifiable pathological lead point, with a normal wall thickness, a length of less than 3.5 cm, normal nondilated proximal bowel and normal vascularity on color Doppler reduce spontaneously and are of no clinical significance.