Overview
Intussusception (in-tuh-suh-SEP-shun) is a serious condition in which part of the intestine slides into another part, much like a telescope. This telescoping action often blocks food or fluid from passing through. Intussusception also cuts off the blood supply to the part of the intestine that's affected. This can lead to infection, death of bowel tissue or a tear in the bowel, called perforation.
Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal blockage in children younger than 3 years old. The cause of most cases of intussusception in children is unknown. Though intussusception is rare in adults, most cases of adult intussusception are the result of an underlying medical condition, such as a tumor.
In children, the intestines can usually be pushed back into position with a minor procedure. In adults, surgery is often needed to correct the problem.
Intussusception
Intussusception is a rare, serious condition in which one part of the intestine slides inside a section of the intestine next to it.
Symptoms
Children
The first sign of intussusception in an otherwise healthy baby may be sudden, loud crying caused by belly pain. Infants who have belly pain may pull their knees to their chests when they cry.
The pain of intussusception comes and goes, usually every 15 to 20 minutes at first. These painful episodes last longer and happen more often as time passes.
Other symptoms of intussusception include:
- Stool mixed with blood and mucus — sometimes referred to as currant jelly stool because of its appearance.
- Vomiting.
- A lump in the belly.
- Weakness or lack of energy.
- Diarrhea.
Not everyone has all the symptoms. Some babies have no obvious pain. Some children don't pass blood or have a lump in the belly. And some older children have pain but no other symptoms.
Adults
Intussusception is rare in adults. Also, because symptoms of the disorder often overlap with the symptoms of other disorders, it's more challenging to identify. The most common symptom is belly pain that comes and goes. Nausea and vomiting also may happen. People sometimes have symptoms for weeks before seeking medical help.
When to see a doctor
Intussusception needs emergency medical care. If you or your child develops the symptoms listed above, seek medical help right away.
In babies, pulling the knees to the chest and crying are often symptoms of belly pain.
Causes
The intestine is shaped like a long tube. In intussusception, one part of the intestine — usually the small intestine — slides inside a part next to it. This is sometimes called telescoping because it's similar to the way a collapsible telescope slides together.
In adults, the telescoping sometimes is caused by a growth in the intestine, such as a polyp or a tumor, called a lead point. The typical wavelike contractions of the intestine grab this lead point and pull it and the lining of the intestine into the bowel ahead of it. In most people, however, no cause can be found for intussusception.
Children
In most children with intussusception, the cause is unknown. Intussusception seems to happen more often in the fall and winter. And because many children with the condition also have flu-like symptoms, some experts suspect that a virus may play a role in the condition. Sometimes, a lead point can be identified as the cause of the condition. Most frequently, the lead point is a pouch in the lining of the small intestine, a condition called Meckel diverticulum.
Adults
In adults, intussusception is usually the result of a medical condition or procedure, including:
- A polyp or tumor.
- Scarlike tissue in the intestine, known as adhesions.
- Recent abdominal surgery.
- Swelling in the intestines due to diseases such as Crohn's disease.
Risk factors
Risk factors for intussusception include:
- Age. Children — especially young children — are much more likely to develop intussusception than are adults. It's the most common cause of bowel obstruction in children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years.
- Sex assigned at birth. Intussusception more often affects boys.
- Intestinal formation at birth that is not typical. Intestinal malrotation is a condition in which the intestine doesn't develop or rotate correctly. This increases the risk of intussusception.
- Other health conditions. Some conditions can increase the risk of intussusception, including:
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Henoch-Schonlein purpura, also known as IgA vasculitis.
- Crohn's disease.
- Celiac disease.
Complications
Intussusception can cut off the blood supply to the affected portion of the intestine. If left untreated, the lack of blood causes the tissue of the intestinal wall to die. Tissue death can lead to a tear in the intestinal wall, called a perforation. This can cause an infection of the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as peritonitis.
Peritonitis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care. Symptoms of peritonitis include:
- Belly pain.
- Swelling in the belly area.
- Fever.
- Vomiting.
Peritonitis may cause your child to go into shock. Symptoms of shock include:
- Cool, clammy skin that may be pale or gray.
- A weak and rapid pulse.
- Breathing that may be either slow and shallow or very rapid.
- Anxiety or agitation.
- Extreme listlessness.
A child who is in shock may be conscious or unconscious. If you suspect that your child is in shock, seek emergency medical care right away.
