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Question

A 10-month-old boy presents to the emergency department with his mother due to complaints of vomiting, intermittent abdominal pain, and lethargy. On physical exam, a sausage-shaped mass is palpated in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, and a sensation of emptiness is found in the right lower quadrant. Which of the following diagnostic testing methods is recommended to confirm the diagnosis of intussusception?

A Computed tomography scan
B Magnetic resonance imaging
C Plain radiography
D Ultrasound

Intussusception is the most common abdominal emergency seen in young children. It occurs when a part of the intestine invaginates or telescopes into itself, causing a bowel obstruction. Intussusception generally occurs between 6 and 36 months of age, with boys affected more frequently than girls. Most cases have an idiopathic etiology. Patients generally present with complaints of vomiting, intermittent or colicky abdominal pain, lethargy, and rectal bleeding. Vomiting is initially nonbilious, but when the obstruction occurs, it becomes bilious. Parents may report the child draws their legs up toward the abdomen or kicks their legs in the air due to the pain. Lethargy is commonly seen and may be intermittent in nature. Stools can be a mixture of mucus, blood, and sloughed mucosa, with an appearance described as currant jelly. Diarrhea may also occur in the early stages of the condition. Patients may often not have the classic signs of intussusception, which can delay the diagnosis and cause the condition to become more life-threatening. Ultrasound has a high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of intussusception and is the method of choice at many hospitals. The classic finding on ultrasound is the target sign, which occurs when layers of intestine are within the intestine. Treatment options include nonoperative reduction or surgical intervention. Younger patients with an idiopathic cause to the intussusception are generally responsive to nonoperative intervention. Nonoperative reduction is with a therapeutic enema under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance. The two types of therapeutic enemas used are hydrostatic with either water-soluble or barium contrast or pneumatic air insufflation. Surgery is indicated when the patient is unstable, nonoperative reduction is unsuccessful, or there is peritonitis or intestinal perforation.

Intussusception can be seen on computed tomography (CT) scan (A), and it can be a useful tool in the diagnosis as well as helping to identify the cause. The negative aspects of CT scan include excessive radiation exposure, risk related to intravenous contrast, and need for sedation. CT scan is reserved for individuals with a high suspicion for intussusception who have nonspecific findings with other imaging modalities or when there is a need to determine the etiology. Magnetic resonance imaging (B) is not used in the diagnosis or management of intussusception. The initial evaluation of a patient suspected of having intussusception should include both plain radiography (C) and ultrasound. Radiography can be used to exclude intestinal perforation and can also support the diagnosis seen on ultrasound.


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intussusception

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Q: What is the name of the physical exam finding in intussusception that includes an empty right lower quadrant and a palpable sausage-shaped mass in the right upper quadrant?

Reveal Answer

A: Dance sign.

Intussusception (Telescoping Bowel)

  • Patient will be a child 6 months to 3 years
  • Complaining of colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody stools (currant jelly)
  • Diagnosis is made by ultrasound (target sign)
  • Most common cause is idiopathic
  • Although less common, it is important to be vigilant for pathologic lead points in children of any age
  • Treatment is air or hydrostatic (contrast or saline) enema

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Wow! The Didactic Qbank content is simply outstanding. With my class notes and this Qbank, I had everything I needed to excel on my exams.

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How does the Didactic Qbank differ from the PANCE/Clinical Year Qbank?
The Didactic Qbank was designed specifically around the foundational topics of PA school so you can reinforce what you learn in school. The Qbank tackles the most commonly asked subject exam questions and includes explanations that address these areas for each topic (read more here):
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The Didactic Qbank contains well over a thousand questions that tackle the foundational topics of PA school, from anatomy and pathophysiology to core content areas like the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.

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