OBJECTIVEThe information on the ultrasonographic features of pediatric intussusception complicated by intestinal necrosis is limited at present. This study aimed to investigate the ultrasonographic findings of this disorder in children in order to provide references for selecting a right means of reduction in clinical practice.

METHODSThe ultrasonographic findings of 48 children with intussusception complicated by intestinal necrosis and who underwent operative reduction between 2004 and 2006 were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTSThe type of intussusception was closely correlated to the development of intestinal necrosis and the ileo-ileo-colonic intussusception was the most common one resulting in intestinal necrosis. The bowel wall of the invaginated segment was obviously thickened and the center of the invaginated segment was often accompanied with swollen lymph node and appendix caecalis. The intussusceptional fluidify, the expanding of distal segment accompanied with the thickened bowels wall, and weakening or disappearance of enterokinesia were the appearances of necrosis of most of bowel walls. The secondary intussusception was an important factor resulting in intestinal necrosis, and sound image of primary lesion was found in some patients. Seroperitoneum was a common manifestation in all of infants with intussusception complicated by intestinal necrosis.

CONCLUSIONSThere are some obvious sonographic characteristics of intussusception complicated by intestinal necrosis in children. The means of intussusception reduction may be selected according to ultrasonographic characteristics.