Shear wave elastography evaluation in predicting the success of ultrasound-guided saline enema hydrostatic reduction technique in ileocolic intussusception

BACKGROUND: Intussusception is the invagination of the proximal intestinal segment into the distal portion. Reduction procedures with fluid or air have been used as the primary treatment of choice in clinically stable children. PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of intestinal wall elasticity measurements by shear wave elastography (SWE) to predict the success of ultrasound-guided saline enema (USGSE) reduction. METHODS: USGSE was performed, if not contraindicated otherwise, after the diagnosis of ileocecal intussusception via the ultrasound (US). The length and diameter of the intussusception and the median stiffness of the intestine were measured before USGSE. CONCLUSIONS: Stiffness assessment of the intestinal wall in ileocolic intussusception during the US examination, which is the gold standard in the intussusception assessment, can be used as a new criterion for predicting the performance of the USGSE technique and might be useful in making decisions regarding the clinical management of ileocolic intussusception.