Demographic, Clinical and Radiological Characteristics of Pediatric Cases Diagnosed As Transient Intussusception As A Result of Spontaneous Reduction

Abstract

Objectives: Transient intussusception (TI) is a condition in which part of the small intestine is identified to enter the anterior part of the intestine telescopically, but this condition spontaneously reduces during follow-up. The observation of this situation has increased with the widespread use of ultrasonography among diagnostic tools. In this study, the aim was to present cases of intussusception that resulted in spontaneous reduction in our clinic. Materials and Methods: The records of cases diagnosed with intussusception between 01.01.2014 and 01.09.2022 were scanned. The files of the patients who were diagnosed with TI as a result of observation were investigated. Age, gender, clinical findings, duration of admission, ultrasonography findings, treatment options and results were analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total of 71 cases diagnosed with intussusception included 50 males and 21 females, with a mean age of 22.3 months. Intussusception was ileo-colic in 36 patients, ileo-ileal in 32 patients, and jejuno-jejunal in three patients. Clinical observation with physical examination and ultrasonography (US) was performed in 33 (21%) patients with SBI who did not have signs of peritoneal irritation and had short segment involvement. Surgical reduction was performed in four patients because intussusception persisted after observation. Control US performed on the remaining 29 patients showed that intussusception disappeared. The age range of 29 patients diagnosed with TI ranged from 10 to 122 months (mean 46.2 months). Of the cases, 19 (65.5%) were male and 10 (34.4%) were female. The length of the invaginated segment ranged from 1-2.2 cm (mean 1.8 cm). Conclusion: Spontaneous reduction of SBI, which does not have acute abdominal findings and progresses with short segment involvement on US, may occur during clinical observation. For this reason, close follow-up of suitable cases that may develop spontaneous reduction is important to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions and consequences.