Pediatric Ileocolic Intussusception Diagnosed by Bedside Ultrasound

Investigators prospectively assessed the performance characteristics of bedside ultrasound in children presenting to a pediatric emergency department with suspected intussusception. Six pediatric emergency physicians performed bedside bowel ultrasound after participating in a 1-hour didactic course with hands-on instruction.

Of 82 children (median age, 25 months) enrolled over 3 years, 13 (16%) received a diagnosis of intussusception by pediatric radiologist–performed ultrasound. Two cases resolved spontaneously during radiology ultrasound, six reduced with air enema, and five required operative reduction. Two additional small bowel intussusceptions identified were not included in the positive cohort analysis.

Thirteen patients received a dia…