Intussusception in Childhood Radiological Appearances on Plain Radiography

The writer reviews the conflicting published views on the investigation of suspected cases of intussusception by plain radiography of the abdomen. On the basis of an analysis of 62 personal cases he suggests that intussusception in childhood presents definite radiological appearances, and that carefully scrutinised survey films considered by an experienced radiologist to be within normal limits excludes the likelihood of intussusception. The radiological appearances which may be seen in cases of intussusception are:— (i) direct visualisation of the intussusception; (ii) a soft tissue mass in the right iliac fossa or right flank, with displacement of bowel shadows from that area, but without direct visualisation of the intussusception; (iii) intestinal obstruction; (iv) the complications of intestinal obstruction.