Intussusception is the telescoping or prolapse of one portion of the bowel into an immediately adjacent segment.

• age: 3 months to 6 years, most common among 3-12 months (although case reports exist in adults)
• after constipation, most common cause of abdominal pain in infants and pre-school aged children
• classic triad: colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, and red currant jelly stools
  • occurs in only 10% -20% of cases
• although colicky pain is the most common symptom, 15-20% experience no pain
• vomiting is often the earliest symptom, but may be absent in 30-40% cases
• most patients (75%) without grossly bloody stool, may be positive for occult blood
• plain abdominal radiographs may be normal in 30% of cases
• consider in differential for intants with altered mental status/ lethargy
  • TIPS AEIOU - one of the "I"s is for intussusception
• choice of radiographic evaluation is institution-dependent
  • ultrasound may be diagnostic but is not therapeutic
  • air or contrast enema can diagnose and treat
  • both are operator dependent