Intussusception
What is intussusception?
Intussusception is the infolding, like the closing of a telescope, of a segment
of the small intestine into the adjacent but more distal ("downstream") segment of the intestine. (The term "intussusception"
is pronounced "in-tu-su-ception" with the accent on the "in". It comes from the Latin "intus", within + "suscipere", to receive = to
receive within).
What does intussusception do?
Intussusception causes the compression of blood vessels in the
involved intestine which reduces the supply of blood to the
affected intestine. If the blood supply is greatly reduced, the
involved intestine may die (become gangrenous) and bleed. It also
may rupture and lead to abdominal infection and shock.
The enveloping of a segment of the intestine into the adjacent
segment also narrows the adjacent portion of the intestine. The lack
of blood to the intestine causes it to swell, which further narrows the
intestine. Inflammation develops and causes further swelling.
Eventually, the swelling completely blocks the intestine.
Is intussusception an urgent problem?
Absolutely. Intussusception is an emergency!
Is intussusception a problem confined to infancy?
Most cases of intussusception occur in children between 5 months
and 1 year of age. Boys develop the condition 3 times more often than girls.
Intussusception can also occur in adults and older children, although it is uncommon.
What causes intussusception?
The causes of intussusception are not fully known. Viral infections of the intestine may possibly contribute to intussusception in infancy.
Intussusception is very rare in older children in whom the presence of a polyp or a tumor may trigger the intussusception. A polyp or tumor is a common cause of intussusception in adults.
Next: Why is rapid diagnosis of intussusception important? »
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