Intussusception is the telescoping of one segment of bowel into the adjacent distal segment, creating obstruction and potential ischemia. Symptoms differ between infants and adults but share a core pattern:
- Paroxysmal abdominal pain
Sudden, severe colic lasting 15–20 minutes recurs with increasing frequency; the infant screams, draws up the knees, or an adult doubles over in pain . - Vomiting
Initially gastric fluid, later bilious, as small-bowel obstruction develops . - “Currant-jelly” stool
Blood mixed with mucus appears after venous congestion of the intussusceptum; it is more common in infants but can occur in adults . - Palpable sausage-shaped mass
The intussuscepted segment may be felt in the right upper or mid-abdomen, especially between spasms in infants . - Lethargy or shock-like state
Infants may become pale, floppy, and apathetic between attacks; adults report fatigue when pain persists for days . - Abdominal distension and guarding
Progressive bloating, hyper-resonance, and localized rebound indicate developing obstruction or peritonitis. - Fever and systemic toxicity
Temperature remains normal early on; high fever, tachycardia, and hypotension suggest bowel necrosis or perforation .
Any infant with intermittent screaming attacks and any adult with unexplained intermittent colic plus vomiting should be imaged urgently with ultrasound or CT to confirm the diagnosis and guide reduction or surgery.
| Symptom | Infants (typical) | Adults (often subtle) |
|---|---|---|
| Pain | 15-20 min colic, knees drawn up | Intermittent cramp, weeks |
| Vomiting | Early, becomes bilious | Nausea ± bilious |
| Stool | Currant-jelly blood | Occult or bloody |
| Mass | Sausage-shaped RUQ | Often impalpable |
| Consciousness | Lethargy between spasms | Fatigue, weight loss |
| Fever | Absent early | Late if necrosis |
| Imaging | US target/doughnut | CT target/pseudokidney |