Viral etiology of intussusception in Taiwanese childhood

Microorganisms Detected in Intussusception Cases and Controls in Children <3 Years in South Africa From 2013 to 2017

A matched case-control evaluated infectious etiologies in children <3 years in post-rotavirus vaccine intussusception surveillance. Adenovirus and adenovirus types C, A, and B were detected more frequently in cases versus controls at statistically significant values. Wild-type rotavirus, rotavirus vaccine strains, and human herpesvirus were not associated with intussusception.

Adenovirus infection is a risk factor for recurrent intussusception in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

Human adenoviruses are the most common pathogens to be isolated from cases of pediatric intussusception. However, the specific clinical characteristics of pediatric intussusception associated with adenovirus infection are poorly known.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of pediatric patients (≤18 years of age) with intussusception treated between January 2014 and December 2020. We enrolled patients with febrile episodes, 27 with and 29 without adenovirus infections (the latter serving as control group). The demographic data, clinical characteristics, and the diagnoses and management strategies were evaluated.

RESULTS

The adenovirus group exhibited a significantly longer febrile duration (4.3 ± 1.9 vs. 3.3 ± 1.1 days, p = 0.020) than the control group, with an odds ratio (OR) of 5.098 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.223-21.254, p = 0.025). The recurrence rates were 48.1% and 13.8% in the two groups (OR 5.804; 95% CI: 1.585-21.245, p = 0.008). Most adenoviruses were non-enteric (85.2%).

CONCLUSION

Adenovirus-related intussusception is associated with a longer febrile period and a higher rate of intussusception recurrence. It is recommended that patients suspected of adenovirus-related intussusception should be observed for longer than others prior to discharge.

Current diagnosis and image-guided reduction for intussusception in children

Intussusception involves an invagination of the proximal bowel into the distal bowel, with ileocolic intussusception being the most common type. However, a diagnostic delay can lead to intestinal ischemia, bowel infarction, or even death; therefore, its early diagnosis and management are important. The primary role of abdominal radiography is to detect pneumoperitoneum or high-grade bowel obstruction in cases of suspected intussusception, and ultrasonography is the modality of choice for its diagnosis. Nonoperative enema reduction, the treatment of choice for childhood intussusception in cases without signs of perforation or peritonitis, can be safely performed with a success rate of 82%. Enema reduction can be performed in various ways according to image guidance method (fluoroscopy or ultrasonography) and reduction medium (liquid or air). Successful enema reduction is less likely to be achieved in children with a longer symptom duration, younger age, lethargy, fever, bloody diarrhea, unfavorable radiologic findings (small bowel obstruction, trapped fluid, ascites, absence of flow in the intussusception, intussusception in the left-sided colon), and pathological lead points. This review highlights the current concepts of intussusception diagnosis, nonsurgical enema reduction, success rates, predictors of failed enema reduction, complications, and recurrence to guide general pediatricians in the management of childhood intussusception.

Changes in the Incidence of Intussusception and Infectious Diseases After the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea

BACKGROUND

Intussusception refers to the invagination of a part of the intestine into itself. The exact cause for this condition is unknown in most cases. The active implementation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection control guidelines has reduced the spread of COVID-19 and the incidence of other infectious diseases in children. The current study aimed to identify changes in pediatric intussusception and infectious diseases after the implementation of infection control guidelines and confirm the association between intussusception and contagious diseases.

METHODS

We analyzed the electronic medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with intussusception from seven hospitals in Korea between January 2017 and December 2020. We used open data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency to investigate changes in infectious diseases over the same period.

RESULTS

Altogether, we evaluated 390 children with intussusception. There was a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of monthly visits with intussusception in the COVID-19 period group (9.0 vs. 3.5, P < 0.001). When the monthly incidence of infectious diseases was compared between the pre-COVID-19 and the COVID-19 periods, a statistically significant decrease in respiratory viruses (7979.0 vs. 815.2, P < 0.001), enterovirus infection (262.2 vs. 6.6, P < 0.001), and viral enteritis (916.2 vs. 197.8, P < 0.001) were confirmed in the COVID-19 period. Through interrupted time series analysis, it was confirmed that the incidence of intussusception and viral infectious diseases have drastically decreased since March 2020, when COVID-19 infection control guidelines were actively implemented.

CONCLUSION

We confirmed that implementing infection control guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a decrease in intussusception and viral infectious diseases. Through this result, it was possible to indirectly confirm the existing hypothesis that viral infections play a significant role in the pathophysiologic mechanism of intussusception.

The impact of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic on rates of pediatric idiopathic intussusception

BACKGROUND

The causes of idiopathic ileocolic intussusception are unknown, with infection as the most likely culprit. Recently, social distancing measures were implemented during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to decrease transmissible infectious diseases, creating an opportune setting to study the role of infection on the pathogenesis of intussusception on a population level.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of social distancing on intussusception.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed air contrast enemas and pylorus ultrasounds performed between March 2010 and March 2021 to identify cases of ileocolic intussusception and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), using the latter as a negative control. The study time frame was divided into two periods: pre-pandemic (March 2010-February 2020) and pandemic (April 2020-March 2021). The number of cases that occurred in these two time periods were compared using the Poisson regression model.

RESULTS

Of the 407 cases of idiopathic ileocolic intussusception identified, 396 occurred in the pre-pandemic time period (mean = 39.6 per 12-month period) and 11 occurred in the 12-month pandemic time period. The mean monthly number of intussusceptions showed a decline of 72% (95% confidence interval [CI] 49-85%) between the pre-pandemic and pandemic time periods (3.3 vs. 0.9 monthly cases; P < 0.001). In contrast, the mean monthly number of HPS did not differ significantly (P = 0.19).

CONCLUSION

Social distancing-imposed to curb the spread of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic-resulted in a significant decline in ileocolic intussusception, lending strong support to the theory that infection is the dominant cause of intussusception.

Decreased Incidence of Pediatric Intussusception during COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) changed the epidemiology of various diseases. The present study retrospectively investigates the epidemiologic and clinical changes in pediatric intussusception for ages ≤ 7 years before (February 2019–January 2020) and after (February 2020–January 2021) the COVID-19 outbreak in a single pediatric emergency department of a university-affiliated tertiary hospital. The incidence of communicable diseases—defined as infectious diseases with the potential for human-to-human transmission via all methods, non-communicable diseases, and intussusception were decreased following the COVID-19 outbreak (15,932 to 3880 (24.4%), 12,994 to 8050 (62.0%), and 87 to 27 (31.0%), respectively). The incidence of intussusception correlated significantly with the change in incidence of communicable diseases (Poisson log-linear regression, odds ratio = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.08–4.26, and p = 0.029). Compared with the pre-pandemic period, patients of the pandemic period showed higher proportions of pathologic leading point (PLP) and hospitalization (14.8% vs. 2.3% and 18.5% vs. 4.6%, respectively), lower base excesses (−4.8 mmol/L vs. −3.6 mmol/L), and higher lactate concentrations (1.7 mmol/L vs. 1.5 mmol/L). The incidence of pediatric intussusception decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic. This reduced incidence may be related to the reduced incidence of communicable diseases. However, the proportions of more severe diseases and PLPs were higher after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Associations of Intussusception With Adenovirus, Rotavirus, and Other Pathogens: A Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Intussusception is the leading cause of acute intestinal obstruction in infants. Intussusception is mostly idiopathic, but infectious pathogens are sometimes implicated. In addition, live oral rotavirus vaccines have been associated with intussusception.

METHODS

We searched the literature published between January 1, 1990, and March 16, 2020, to describe the association between intussusception among infants and young children and various pathogens, particularly adenovirus and wild rotavirus. We tallied the number of evaluations reporting a statistically significant positive association, no association and a protective association by pathogen, using any statistical method. We also calculated the median reported odds ratios (OR) of intussusception with adenovirus and rotavirus.

RESULTS

We identified 3793 records on intussusception from the literature; 17 evaluations from 15 countries that evaluated 52 pathogens were included in the analysis. All 14 evaluations of adenovirus reported a statistically significant positive association with intussusception; the median OR from 9 evaluations was 3.7 (interquartile range, 3.3, 8.2). Nine of 12 evaluations assessing rotavirus found no statistically significant association, 1 found a positive association and 2 reported a protective effect; the median OR from 12 evaluations was 0.9 (interquartile range, 0.2, 1.8). No consistent relationship was observed between any other pathogens and intussusception.

CONCLUSIONS

We documented a consistent association of intussusception with adenovirus, but no relationship between wild-type rotavirus and intussusception. Future research should focus on better understanding the mechanisms of intussusception with infectious pathogens, including following a rotavirus vaccination.

Overview of the Development, Impacts, and Challenges of Live-Attenuated Oral Rotavirus Vaccines

Safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness are paramount to vaccine development. Following the isolation of rotavirus particles in 1969 and its evidence as an aetiology of severe dehydrating diarrhoea in infants and young children worldwide, the quest to find not only an acceptable and reliable but cost-effective vaccine has continued until now. Four live-attenuated oral rotavirus vaccines (LAORoVs) (Rotarix^®, RotaTeq^®, Rotavac^®, and RotaSIIL^®) have been developed and licensed to be used against all forms of rotavirus-associated infection. The efficacy of these vaccines is more obvious in the high-income countries (HIC) compared with the low- to middle-income countries (LMICs); however, the impact is far exceeding in the low-income countries (LICs). Despite the rotavirus vaccine efficacy and effectiveness, more than 90 countries (mostly Asia, America, and Europe) are yet to implement any of these vaccines. Implementation of these vaccines has continued to suffer a setback in these countries due to the vaccine cost, policy, discharging of strategic preventive measures, and infrastructures. This review reappraises the impacts and effectiveness of the current live-attenuated oral rotavirus vaccines from many representative countries of the globe. It examines the problems associated with the low efficacy of these vaccines and the way forward. Lastly, forefront efforts put forward to develop initial procedures for oral rotavirus vaccines were examined and re-connected to today vaccines.

Infectious Etiologies of Intussusception Among Children <2 Years Old in 4 Asian Countries

BACKGROUND

The etiology of intussusception, the leading cause of bowel obstruction in infants, is unknown in most cases. Adenovirus has been associated with intussusception and slightly increased risk of intussusception with rotavirus vaccination has been found. We conducted a case-control study among children <2 years old in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Vietnam to evaluate infectious etiologies of intussusception before rotavirus vaccine introduction.

METHODS

From 2015 to 2017, we enrolled 1-to-1 matched intussusception cases and hospital controls; 249 pairs were included. Stool specimens were tested for 37 infectious agents using TaqMan Array technology. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each pathogen associated with intussusception in a pooled analysis and quantitative subanalyses.

RESULTS

Adenovirus (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.75-4.36) and human herpes virus 6 (OR, 3.50; 95% CI, 1.15-10.63) were detected more frequently in cases than controls. Adenovirus C detection <20 quantification cycles was associated with intussusception (OR, 18.59; 95% CI, 2.45-140.89). Wild-type rotavirus was not associated with intussusception (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.52-2.22).

CONCLUSIONS

In this comprehensive evaluation, adenovirus and HHV-6 were associated with intussusception. Future research is needed to better understand mechanisms leading to intussusception, particularly after rotavirus vaccination.

Simultaneous intussusception associated with adenovirus infection in monozygotic twins: A case report

RATIONALE

Intussusception, a common cause of intestinal obstruction in children, typically requires medical reduction. Here, we describe the case of a pair of twins who had simultaneous intussusception and were positive for fecal adenovirus-strongly indicating that adenovirus infection may be a main cause of the intussusception.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Two 1-year-old twin girls were brought to Cathay General Hospital one after another on the same day. Both presented with intermittent abdominal pain, abdominal distension, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

DIAGNOSES

Their laboratory data were adenovirus positivity in rectal swab culture. Intussusception was diagnosed through a lower gastrointestinal series.

INTERVENTIONS

The twins were treated with reduction for intussusception.

OUTCOMES

Both patients recovered well, without recurrence.

LESSONS

Most cases of intussusception are idiopathic. However, some potential risk factors-as strongly suggested by the current cases-are genetic factors and adenovirus infection.

Missed case of intussusception, a rare cause of abdominal pain in adults: A case report emphasizing the imaging findings and review of the literature

Intussusception, a process whereby a segment of the intestine telescopes into the adjoining intestinal lumen, is a rare source of pain in adults that present with nonspecific abdominal pain. Imaging is the mainstay for diagnosis, which requires prompt and accurate interpretation to prevent complications. The following report details the misdiagnosis of intussusception in a 54-year-old male, whom presented to the emergency department with a 4-day history of nonrelenting abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Following blood tests, chest, and abdominal imaging, the patient was discharged with a suspected passed renal stone. He soon represented to the General Practitioner, however, with equivalent pain; prompting a review of the images. It was apparent that the initial radiologist failed to recognize the subtle presence of intussusception. This case highlights the necessary consideration of intussusception as a differential diagnosis in adult patients presenting with intermittent abdominal pain. The case further emphasizes that radiologists should be familiar with the subtler signs of intussusception.

A case-control study of risk factors for intussusception among infants in eastern France after the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study was to investigate the risk factors for intussusception (IS) among infants, including vaccination against rotavirus.

METHODS

Case-control study with systematic inclusion of all infants aged <1 year with suspected IS admitted to emergency departments in the eastern region of France between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2012. All cases classed level 1 according to the Brighton classification were matched to 4 hospital controls. Two exposure windows were examined; exposure to the first dose of rotavirus vaccine in the 7 and in the 14 days prior to the occurrence of IS.

RESULTS

A total of 115 cases were matched with 457 controls. The average vaccination coverage rate over the 4 years of study was 8.6%. Rotavirus vaccine was not found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of IS in the 7 days (odds ratio (OR) not calculated; p = 0.99) and in the 14 days after administration of one dose vaccine (OR 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14-12.82). Infant formula alone or combined with breastfeeding was associated with an excess risk of IS (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.10-6.79). A history of gastroenteritis within 2 weeks prior to hospitalisation was also associated with an increased risk (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.07-4.67).

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that infant formula alone or combined with breastfeeding is a risk factor for IS. A small, non-significant increase in the risk of IS was observed after rotavirus vaccination, although the low vaccine coverage rate likely precluded detection of a significant increase in risk.

Concurrent Campylobacter jejuni bacteremia and intussusception in an immunocompetent five-year-old child

Bacterial enteritis has been reported to be a risk factor for childhood intussusception. However, no case report concerning children with concurrent Campylobactor bacteremia and intussusception were found in the literature. Herein, we report a 5-year-old male preschool child who presented symptoms of infectious diarrhea, and ileocecal type intussuscepton and Campylobactor jejuni bacteremia were found after a series of investigations.

Epidemiological Correlation between Fecal Adenovirus Subgroups and Pediatric Intussusception in Korea

We investigated the adenoviral etiology and seasonal epidemic trends in intussusception and each adenoviral subgroup. Also we confirmed whether we can use the adenovirus data of Acute Infectious Agents Laboratory Surveillance Report (AIALSR) as an epidemic predictor of intussusception. Patients with intussusception (n = 126), < 5 years old, were enrolled and matched by age and sex with controls suffering acute gastroenteritis without intussusception (n = 106), all recruited at 8 centers. All fecal specimens were assayed for adenovirus, including subgroups A, B, C, E, and F, with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Adenovirus was detected in 53 cases and 13 controls (P < 0.001). Nonenteric adenoviruses (NEAds) were detected in 51 cases and four controls (P < 0.001). We used Spearman's correlation analysis to analyze the incidence of intussusception and adenoviral epidemic trends, and compared them with fecal and respiratory adenoviral epidemic trends in the AIALSR. The trend of intussusception correlated with total NEAds (r = 0.635; P = 0.011), as did the fecal AIALSR adenovirus trends (r = 0.572; P = 0.026). Among the NEAd subgroups, subgroup C was dominant (P < 0.001), but subgroups B (P = 0.007) and E (P = 0.013) were also significant to intussusception. However, only subgroup C showed a significant epidemic correlation (r = 0.776; P = 0.001) with intussusception. Not respiratory but fecal AIALSR adenovirus trends correlated with the incidence of NEAds and intussusception. We suggest the possibility of using fecal AIALSR adenovirus data as an approximate epidemic predictor of intussusception.

Hospitalization rates for intussusception in children aged 0-59 months from 2009 to 2014 in Italy

The real cause of intussusception is not fully understood and a variety of conditions have been associated with it (Meckel diverticulum, polyps, duplication cysts, parasites, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, cystic fibrosis, hemolytic-uremic syndrome and infectious gastroenteritis). Furthermore few European countries, following WHO recommendation to monitor baseline incidence of intussusception before implementation of immunization program for rotavirus, used intussusception rate as a baseline value to compare the same figures in the period before and after introduction of vaccination. In this study, data of intussusception hospitalizations occurred among Italian children aged 0 through 59 months from 2009 to 2014 were analyzed. A total amount of 3,088 children were included, accounting for a hospitalization rate of 20.2 per 100,000. Overall, the hospitalization rate for intussusception had a slight increase in trend from 2009 to 2014 (18%). In particular children 0-11 months had a hospitalization rate higher than 12-59 months with an aggregate value of 36 Vs. 16 per 100,000 respectively. Among all children hospitalized for intussusception a total of 239 (7.7%) had also a previous or concomitant hospitalization for gastroenteritis. This study demonstrates that Italian hospitalizations for intussusception are increasing by time and the role played by different risk factors, including acute gastroenteritis, have to be investigated in the future. These data could be useful to monitor intussusception hospitalization in the perspective of anti-rotavirus vaccination introduction in Italy.

Incidence and risk factors for intussusception among children in northern Israel from 1992 to 2009: a retrospective study

Background

Determining the background incidence of intussusception is important in countries implementing rotavirus immunization. Rotavirus immunization was introduced into the routine infant immunization program in Israel during late 2010. Incidence and risk factors for intussusception were examined in children aged less than five years between 1992 and 2009.

Methods

Data were collected from medical records of children hospitalized due to intussusception (N = 190), and from control children (N = 295), at Carmel and Hillel Yaffe hospitals in northern Israel.

Results

The average annual incidence of intussusception in Jewish and Arab children aged less than five years was estimated at 36.1 (95% CI 17.0-76.5) vs. 23.2 per 100,000 (95% CI 9.3-57.9); for infants less than 12 months of age- 128.1 (95% CI 53.0-309.6) vs. 80.1 (95% CI 29.1-242.6) per 100,000. The risk of intussusception was higher in infants aged 3–5 months: OR 5.30 (95% CI 2.11-13.31) and 6–11 months: OR 2.53 (95% CI 1.13-5.62) when compared to infants aged less than 3 months; in those living in low vs high socioeconomic communities: OR 2.81 (95% CI 1.45-5.43), and in children with recent gastroenteritis: OR 19.90 (95% CI 2.35-168.32) vs children without recent gastroenteritis. Surgical reduction was required in 23.2%. The likelihood of surgery was significantly increased in patients presenting with bloody stool, in Arabs and those who were admitted to Hillel Yaffe Hospital.

Conclusions

The incidence of intussusception prior to universal rotavirus immunization was documented in northern Israel. Despite the lower incidence, Arab patients underwent surgery more often, suggesting delayed hospital admission of Arab as opposed to Jewish patients.

FDG PET/CT detection of intussusception caused by lymphoma in a pediatric patient

A previously healthy 9-year-old boy presented to an outside hospital with a history of abdominal pain and vomiting. An abdominal x-ray was unremarkable. A CT of the abdomen and pelvis performed to evaluate possible obstruction after weight loss and vomiting over a 3-week period demonstrated a large retroperitoneal mass. Laparoscopic biopsy showed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. FDG PET/CT was performed for staging. An ileocolic intussusception was identified on the PET/CT. The intussusception was successfully managed with medical treatment. We present FDG PET/CT findings in intussusception with non-Hodgkin lymphoma as the lead point in a pediatric patient.

Yersinia intussusception: case report and review

Intussusception is a recognised paediatric presentation in emergency department and primary care settings. The aetiology of intussusception is multifactorial and largely unknown but includes infection in some cases. Yersinia has been the most frequently cited bacterial association in children. Identifying Yersinia affects the role and choice of antibiotics in a child's treatment regimen. This article reports on Australia's first proven case of Yersinia enterocolitica intussusception, and reviews the clinical epidemiology of all known reported cases world-wide.

Clinical features and role of viral isolates from stool samples of intussuception in children

PURPOSE

To detect major acute gastroenteritis virus (rotavirus, norovirus, astrovirus, and enteric adenovirus) and non-enteric type of adenovirus (AdV) in the stools of intussusception patients and to investigate the clinical role of detected viruses.

METHODS

From March 2012 to February 2013, major acute gastroenteritis virus and non-enteric type of AdV were isolated from stool samples that collected from 44 patients treated for intussusception in Chungnam National University Hospital. Patients were divided according to age and isolated virus.

RESULTS

Virus was detected in 28 (63%) stool specimens. The virus detection rate was significantly lower in patients aged under 12 months (p = 0.04). Twenty-two patients (78.6%) had non-enteric adenovirus, 4 (14.3%) had norovirus, 1 (3.6%) had sapovirus, and 1 (3.6%) had astrovirus. AdV subgroup C (AdV 1, 2, 5, and 6) comprised the majority with 20 cases (90.9%). A monthly increment-and-decrement pattern of intussusception was similar to that of viral detection in the stool samples. Enema reductions were successful in 39 patients and surgical manual reductions were performed in 5 patients. Virus was detected in 24 patients (61.5%) of enema reduction group and 4 patients (80.0%) of surgical manual reduction group. All of the detected viruses were non-enteric adenovirus subgroup C (AdV 1, 5, and 6) in surgical reduction patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The virus detection rate was high in the stools of intussusception patients. The pattern of seasonal intussusception occurrence rate was parallel with seasonal these viral detection rate in the stool samples. These findings suggest that viral infection plays an important role in the development of intussusception and further research is warranted.

Nationwide population-based epidemiologic study of childhood and adulthood intussusception in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Most studies have evaluated the epidemiology of intussusception only in children. This was the first nationwide population-based study conducted to investigate the epidemiology and associated medical expenses of intussusception for all age groups in Taiwan.

METHODS

Cases of intussusception were identified from the annual hospitalization discharge claims of the National Health Insurance Research Database with corresponding International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code 560.0, from January 2000 to December 2007.

RESULTS

In total, 7255 incident cases of intussusception were detected. The majority of cases were children younger than 4 years of age. Significant male predominance was observed in the under-10-, 55-59-, and older-than-80-year age groups. The incidence peaked in the 1-2-year age group, reaching as high as 112.84 and 81.96 per 100,000 person-years for males and females, respectively. The incidence of intussusception was very low in adults. However, the medical expenses, number of coexisting neoplasms and malignancies, and hospitalization days were substantially higher in adults than in children. Although coexisting neoplasms developed in 40.8% of adult patients with intussusception, it occurred in only 0.4% of those younger than 3 years.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to describe detailed age- and sex-specific incidence rates and medical expenses of intussusception for both pediatric and adult groups in Taiwan. There were significant differences between the two groups, with a much higher incidence in young children, but more coexisting neoplasms and malignancies and average medical expenses in adult patients.

A multi-country study of intussusception in children under 2 years of age in Latin America: analysis of prospective surveillance data

BACKGROUND

Intussusception (IS) is a form of acute intestinal obstruction that occurs mainly in infants and is usually of unknown cause. An association between IS and the first licensed rotavirus vaccine, a reassortant-tetravalent, rhesus-based rotavirus vaccine (RRV-TV), led to the withdrawal of the vaccine. New rotavirus vaccines have now been developed and extensively studied for their potential association with IS. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology and to estimate the incidence of IS in Latin American infants prior to new vaccine introduction.

METHODS

Children under 2 years of age representing potential IS cases were enrolled in 16 centers in 11 Latin American countries from January 2003 to May 2005. IS cases were classified as definite, probable, possible or suspected as stated on the Brighton Collaboration Working Group guidelines.

RESULTS

From 517 potential cases identified, 476 (92%) cases were classified as definite, 21 probable, 10 possible and 10 suspected for intussusception. Among the 476 definite IS cases, the median age at presentation was 6.4 months with 89% of cases aged <1 year. The male to female ratio was 1.5:1. The incidence of definite IS per 100,000 subject-years ranged from 1.9 in Brazil to 62.4 in Argentina for children <2 years of age, and from 3.8 in Brazil to 105.3 in Argentina for children aged <1 year. Median hospital stay was 4 days with a high prevalence of surgery as the primary treatment (65%). Most cases (88%) made a complete recovery, but 13 (3%) died. No clear seasonal pattern of IS cases emerged.

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes the epidemiology and estimates the incidence of IS in Latin American infants prior to the introduction of new rotavirus vaccines. The incidence of IS was found to vary between different countries, as observed in previous studies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical study identifier 999910/204 (SERO-EPI-IS-204).

Japanese guidelines for the management of intussusception in children, 2011

BACKGROUND

The Japanese Society of Emergency Pediatrics has formulated evidence-based guidelines for the management of intussusception in children in order to diagnose intussusceptions promptly, to initiate appropriate treatment as early as possible, and to protect intussuscepted children from death.

METHODS

Literature was collected systematically via the Internet using the key words "intussusception" and "children." The evidence level of each paper was rated in accordance with the levels of evidence of the Oxford Center for Evidence-based Medicine. The guidelines consisted of 50 clinical questions and the answers. Grades of recommendation were added to the procedures recommended on the basis of the strength of evidence levels.

RESULTS

Three criteria of "diagnostic criteria,""severity assessment criteria," and "criteria for patient transfer" were proposed aiming at an early diagnosis, selection of appropriate treatment, and patient transfer for referral to a tertiary hospital in severe cases. Barium is no longer recommended for enema reduction (recommendation D) because the patient becomes severely ill once perforation occurs. Use of other contrast media, such as water-soluble iodinated contrast, normal saline, or air, is recommended under either fluoroscopic or sonographic guidance. Delayed repeat enema improves reduction success rate, and is recommended if the initial enema partially reduced the intussusception and if the patient condition is stable.

CONCLUSIONS

The guidelines offer standards of management, but it is not necessarily the purpose of the guidelines to regulate clinical practices. One should judge each individual clinical situation in accordance with experiences, available devices, and the patient's condition.

Simultaneous presence of human herpesvirus 6 and adenovirus infections in intestinal intussusception of young children

AIM

This prospective study investigated the role of viral infections in the pathogenesis of intussusception, including human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), a known lymphotropic virus.

METHODS

Fifty-three children with intussusception treated in hospital were enroled, and children of comparable age and gender served as controls. Blood, stool and throat swab specimens, as well as mesenteric lymph nodes and pieces of intestine from patients requiring surgery were tested for various viruses by PCR methods.

RESULTS

Altogether, 85% of intussusception cases showed evidence of a recent or ongoing viral infection. Among the 53 intussusception cases, adenovirus was detected in 25 (47%), HHV-6 in 24 (45%), rhinovirus in 12 (23%), cytomegalovirus in 7 (13%), enterovirus in 4 (8%) and rotavirus in 3 (6%) patients. Of the 50 whole blood samples, 44% were positive for HHV-6 and of the 16 resected mesenteric lymph nodes, 50% were positive for HHV-6. Simultaneous presence of HHV-6 and adenovirus infection correlated significantly with intussusception (OR 12.1, 95% CI 2.2 to 66.5).

CONCLUSIONS

A statistically significant association was observed between adenovirus and childhood intussusception. HHV-6 was a common finding and occurred concomitantly with other viruses. A simultaneous infection with HHV-6 and adenovirus carried the highest risk for intussusception.

Epidemiology of childhood intussusception and determinants of recurrence and operation: analysis of national health insurance data between 1998 and 2007 in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

To study the epidemiology of childhood intussusception and risk factors of recurrence and operation based on a nationwide data.

METHODS

Children with hospitalization due to intussusception (ICD9: 560.0) between 1998 and 2007 were identified from a national health insurance database. The incidence was calculated by age, sex, calendar year and month of admission. Recurrence and operation rates, duration and costs of hospitalization were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 8217 intussusception-related hospitalizations were identified in 7541 children. The incidence of intussusception peaked between 3 and 36 months of age. Male -to-female incidence rate ratio increased from 1.31 in the first year to 2.52 in the ninth year of life. The overall recurrence and operation rates were 7.9% and 24.9%, respectively. In children less than 1 year old, the recurrence rate was 10.1%, which decreased to 5.3% in children over 3 years old. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that children receiving operation had a significantly lower risk of recurrence with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 0.31 (0.24-0.41) after controlling for age and sex. There are significantly more cases occurring during the warmer months between May and October compared to the cooler months between November and April.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a male predominance of intussusception with a dynamic male-to-female incidence rate ratio. Children under 1 year of age have the highest recurrence and operation rates. Seasonal variation of intussusception was suspected in Taiwan.

Bacterial enteritis as a risk factor for childhood intussusception: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between bacterial enteritis and intussusception.

STUDY DESIGN

The Patient Administration Systems and Biostatistics Activity database from January 2002 to December 2005 was examined for clinic visits or hospital admission to a Department of Defense medical facility for children age 0-5 years. The study included the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems diagnosis-related group (DRG) codes for infections with Yersinia enterocolitica, Escherichia coli, Shigella species, Salmonella species, and Campylobacter. Identified patients were then assessed for the intussusception DRG code for 0-180 days postinfection. The total number of children enrolled in military treatment facilities in the same age group (denominator) was obtained.

RESULTS

Bacterial enteritis significantly increased the relative risk of intussusception. An increased risk was found following infection with Salmonella, E coli, Shigella, and Campylobacter. The relative risk for intussusception following any bacterial enteritis was 40.6 (95% confidence interval = 28.6-57.5; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Bacterial enteritis is a significant risk factor for the subsequent development of intussusception in children.

Rotavirus infection and intussusception in Tunisian children: implications for use of attenuated rotavirus vaccines

BACKGROUND

A licensed rotavirus vaccine was withdrawn from use because of an increased risk of intussusception. The association of rotavirus vaccination with intussusception raised concerns about a potential link between natural rotavirus disease and intussusception. The objectives of the present study were to determine whether an epidemiological association with natural rotavirus infection existed.

METHODS

From 1984 to 2003, all children younger than 5 years with intussusception were retrospectively identified by medical charts, and from 1995 to 2003, a prospective surveillance study of rotavirus infection in children younger than 5 years was independently conducted. Epidemiological characteristics of intussusception and rotavirus infection were then compared.

RESULTS

A total of 533 cases of intussusception and 146 cases of rotavirus infection were identified. The incidence of intussusception for infants younger than 1 year was 62/100,000 child-years. The age distributions of intussusception and rotavirus gastroenteritis overlapped, and a masculine predominance was noted in both cases. No significant association was observed between the monthly distribution of intussusception and rotavirus infection.

CONCLUSION

The present study has not convincingly shown that rotavirus diarrhea plays a major role in intussusception. However, data about age and sex distributions supported the biologic plausibility of such an association.

Trends in intussusception hospitalizations among US infants, 1993-2004: implications for monitoring the safety of the new rotavirus vaccination program

OBJECTIVES

In 2006, a new rotavirus vaccine was recommended for routine immunization of US infants. Because a previous rotavirus vaccine was withdrawn in 1999 after it was associated with intussusception, monitoring for this adverse event with the new vaccine is important. The objectives of this study were to assess intussusception hospitalizations trends among US infants for 1993 to 2004; provide estimates of hospitalization rates for intussusception for 2002-2004; and assess variations in background rates by age, race/ethnicity, and surgical management.

METHODS

By using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's State Inpatient Database that captures US hospital discharges from 16 states representing 49% of the birth cohort during 1993-2004 and from 35 states representing 85% of the birth cohort in 2002-2004, we examined hospitalizations among infants (<12 months of age) with an International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code for intussusception (560.0). Incidence rates were calculated by using census data, and rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated by using Poisson regression data.

RESULTS

Annual intussusception hospitalization rates declined 25% from 1993 to 2004 but have remained stable at approximately 35 cases per 100,000 infants since 2000. Rates were very low for infants younger than 9 weeks (<5 per 100,000) then increased rapidly, peaking at approximately 62 per 100,000 at 26 to 29 weeks, before declining gradually to 26 per 100,000 at 52 weeks. Compared with rates among non-Hispanic white infants (27 per 100,000), rates were greater among non-Hispanic black infants (37 per 100,000) and Hispanic infants (45 per 100,000); however, rates did not differ by race/ethnicity for infants who were younger than 16 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

This assessment of US hospitalizations provides up-to-date and nationally representative prevaccine rates of intussusception. Because rates varied almost 12-fold by week of age and to a lesser extent by race/ethnicity during the age of vaccination, adjusting baseline rates to reflect the demographics of the vaccinated population will be crucial for assessing risk for intussusception after rotavirus vaccination.

Molecular epidemiology of adenovirus isolates from patients diagnosed with intussusception in Melbourne, Australia

Twenty-one intussusception (IS)-associated and 59 temporally linked adenoviral isolates from clinical infections were compared. Species C (15/21 IS- and 32/59 non-IS-associated isolates) dominated. Of these, serotype 2 (AdV-2) (7/15 IS-associated isolates) and serotype 1 (AdV-1) (16/32 non-IS-associated isolates) were the most commonly identified serotypes. DNA restriction analysis of AdV-2 isolates identified six genomic types; of these, type D2 (3/7 IS- and 8/11 non-IS-associated isolates) was the dominant type after BamHI and SmaI digestion. IS-associated isolates are similar to circulating non-IS-associated strains.

The Epidemiology of Paediatric Intussusception in Singapore: 1997 to 2004

Introduction: The world’s first rotavirus vaccine, Rotashield® or RRV-TV, was registered in the US in 1998, but withdrawn within a year because of an observed association with intussusception (IS). Surveillance for IS has consequently become important in safety monitoring of new-generation rotavirus vaccines during development. Post-marketing surveillance is also important, and requires the availability of local baseline epidemiology data on IS. Materials and Methods: An eight-year study of IS in children under 2 years of age in Singapore was performed by retrospective review of admissions to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, the main paediatric hospital, from 1997 to 2001, followed by prospective surveillance of all hospitals from 2001 to 2004, using the case definition of the Brighton Collaboration Intussusception Working Group. Results: The average IS incidence was 60 per 100,000 in under-ones, and 32 per 100,000 in under-twos, with a downward trend between 1999 and 2004. Ninety-two per cent of subjects were aged below one year, with 51% aged 6 months to 11 months. The mean age at which IS occurred increased from 6.4 months to 12.5 months over the study period. The male-to-female ratio was 1.3:1. No trend in IS numbers was observed over different months of the year. Conclusion: IS in Singapore shows no seasonality, but has demonstrated a trend of decreasing incidence in recent years. While highest in the first year of life, the risk of IS is increasing in the second year of life. Males have a slightly higher risk. Key words: Adverse effects, Rotavirus vaccines

Risk factors for intussusception in infants in Vietnam and Australia: adenovirus implicated, but not rotavirus

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate risk factors for the development of intussusception in infants in a developing country with a suspected high incidence and in a developed country with a low incidence.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective case-control study of infants <2 years of age with idiopathic intussusception confirmed by air enema or surgery was conducted at the National Hospital of Paediatrics (NHP), Vietnam (n = 533) and the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH), Australia (n = 51). Diagnosis was validated in a subset (84% NHP; 67% RCH) by an independent blinded radiologist. Risk factor assessment was performed using a standardized questionnaire. Stool specimens were assayed for bacterial, viral, and parasitic agents.

RESULTS

The incidence of intussusception in Vietnam was 302/100,000 in infants <1 year of age (95% CI: 258-352), substantially higher than in Australia (71/100,000). A strong association with adenovirus infection was observed at both sites (cases positive at NHP: 34%, OR 8.2; cases positive at RCH: 40%, OR 44). No association was identified between intussusception and rotavirus, other enteric pathogens, oral polio vaccine, feeding practices, or living conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of intussusception in infants was markedly higher in Vietnam than in Australia. A strong association between adenovirus infection and intussusception was identified at both sites suggesting that adenovirus may play a role in the etiology of intussusception.

Rotavirus infection enhances lipopolysaccharide-induced intussusception in a mouse model

Unexpected reports of intussusception after vaccination with the live tetravalent rotavirus vaccine RotaShield resulted in voluntary withdrawal of the vaccine. Intussusception, a condition in which the intestine acutely invaginates upon itself, is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in children. We report here the development of a mouse model to study rotavirus-induced intussusception. In this model, both homologous murine and heterologous simian rotavirus strains significantly enhanced the rate of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intussusception, and this enhancement was replication dependent, requiring rotavirus doses of greater than one 50% infectious dose. Rotavirus-induced intussusceptions did not have observable lymphoid lead points, despite the induction of intestinal lymphoid hyperplasia after rotavirus infection. Intussusceptions are also postulated to result from altered intestinal motility, but rotavirus infection had no effect on gastrointestinal transit. LPS-induced intussusception is associated with the induction of inflammatory mediators, and intussusception rates can be modified by inflammatory antagonists. We show that rotavirus infection significantly enhanced serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and gamma interferon cytokine levels after LPS treatment compared to uninfected mice. Together, these data suggest that rotavirus infection sensitized mice to the inflammatory effects of subsequent LPS treatment to enhance intussusception rates.

Vaccines to prevent transmission of HIV-1 via breastmilk: scientific and logistical priorities

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1 is the major mode of paediatric infection. The rapidly increasing incidence of MTCT worldwide has resulted in an urgent need for preventive strategies. Antiretroviral regimens can prevent intrapartum HIV transmission; however, these regimens do not prevent HIV transmission through breastfeeding. Furthermore, children who escape MTCT are again at risk of infection when they become sexually active as adolescents. An infant vaccine regimen, begun at birth, would hence be a more attractive strategy and might also provide the basis for lifetime protection. Unique features of MTCT and paediatric HIV disease could be helpful in understanding correlates of immune protection and could facilitate rapid assessment of vaccine efficacy. Thus, there is compelling rationale to develop safe, effective HIV vaccines for use in infants and children. Here, we discuss the scientific and logistical challenges for the development of paediatric HIV vaccines; available vaccines and completed or planned paediatric vaccine trials are also discussed.

Intussusception after administration of the rhesus tetravalent rotavirus vaccine (Rotashield): the search for a pathogenic mechanism

OBJECTIVES

The rhesus tetravalent rotavirus vaccine (RRV) was withdrawn from the routine program for childhood immunization in the United States because of the rare and unexpected occurrence of intussusception in the 2-week period after administration of the first dose.

METHODS

To search for the pathogenesis of this association, we compared the pathology of surgical specimens from infants who had surgical reduction of their intussusceptions within 2 weeks of receiving the vaccine (case patients; n = 8) with the pathology of specimens from children who had surgery > 2 weeks after immunization (n = 6) or who had never been immunized (n = 26). Tissue was examined for evidence of the vaccine strain of rotavirus by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

RRV was identified by RT-PCR in tissue samples from 7 of the 8 case patients and in 2 of the 6 children who received the vaccine at a more distant time (29 and 58 days before surgery), but it was not identified in samples from any of the nonvaccinated children. No evidence of rotavirus tissue involvement was detected in any of the children by in situ hybridization or immunohistochemical staining. Pathologic evidence (for example, inclusion bodies, smudge cells) of adenovirus infection was present in 35% of the 37 specimens examined by routine staining and immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSIONS

The fact that RRV was detected by RT-PCR but not by either of the other assays could be explained by RRV being present in the lumen of the gut but not in the tissues of appendix, ileum, or Peyer's patches. The Peyer's patches were not hyperplastic, and we could not establish the pathogenic mechanism for this association.

Rotavirus vaccine: early introduction in Latin America-risks and benefits

Rotavirus infection is the cause of severe gastroenteritis of young children worldwide, leading to an estimate of 600,000 deaths a year. Efforts to develop an effective and safe vaccine resulted in licensing in 1998 of a live oral vaccine (RotaShield) that was withdrawn less than 1 year later when reports of cases of intussusception were linked to its application. This led to development of new rotavirus vaccine candidates that are currently in late phase III clinical trials. One of these vaccines, GlaxoSmithKline's Rotarix, was licensed in July 2004 to be used in Mexico. This review describes the general background for rotavirus vaccine development, the different vaccine candidates that have been tested or are currently being evaluated, the association of rotavirus vaccination with the bowel blockage known as intussuception, and discusses the benefits and risks of the fast-track introduction of Rotarix in Latin America, and particularly in Mexico.

Intussusception and rotavirus associated hospitalisation in New Zealand

AIMS

To describe the epidemiology of intussusception and its relation to rotavirus associated hospitalisation in New Zealand.

METHODS

National hospital discharge data between January 1998 and June 2003 for all children younger than 3 years of age with intussusception were reviewed. Independently, children from the same age group, admitted to eight paediatric units with rotavirus gastroenteritis between May 1998 and May 2000, were identified prospectively. Epidemiological characteristics of cases with intussusception were compared with those of hospitalised rotavirus disease.

RESULTS

During the 5.5 year study period, there were 277 cases of intussusception and no deaths. Most (72%) occurred in the first year of life (age adjusted incident rate 65 per 100,000 child-years, 95% CI 56 to 74). Risk of intussusception was less in females (risk ratio 0.58; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.78) and for Maori (risk ratio 0.52; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.77) when compared with European infants. In contrast to hospitalised rotavirus cases, intussusception peaked at a younger age and lacked seasonality.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides national baseline data on intussusception for future rotavirus vaccine programmes in New Zealand. Wild-type rotaviruses do not appear to have a major role in triggering intussusception. Prospective surveillance systems, using standardised case definitions and nested case-control methodology, are needed to further our understanding of the aetiology and epidemiology of intussusception.

Intussusception and rotavirus vaccines

The association between the first oral rotavirus vaccine to be licensed in the U.S. (Rotashield) and intussusception has presented a major challenge to the effort to reduce the global burden related to rotavirus infection. Although the risk of developing intussusception following immunization with Rotashield is low, debate continues about the estimation of intussusception risk and the events surrounding the withdrawal of the vaccine. The experience with Rotashield has highlighted the wisdom of parallel clinical trials in developing and developed countries and the value of post-licensure surveillance for the detection of uncommon adverse events. This review retraces the steps leading up to the withdrawal of the Rotashield vaccine and reflects on how this experience has influenced the development of other rotavirus vaccines.

Clinical case definition for the diagnosis of acute intussusception

OBJECTIVE

Because of the reported association between intussusception and a rotavirus vaccine, future clinical trials of rotavirus vaccines will need to include intussusception surveillance in the evaluation of vaccine safety. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a clinical case definition for the diagnosis of acute intussusception.

METHODS

A clinical case definition for the diagnosis of acute intussusception was developed by analysis of an extensive literature review that defined the clinical presentation of intussusception in 70 developed and developing countries. The clinical case definition was then assessed for sensitivity and specificity using a retrospective chart review of hospital admissions. Sensitivity of the clinical case definition was assessed in children diagnosed with intussusception over a 6.5-year period. Specificity was assessed in patients aged <2 years admitted with bowel obstruction and in patients aged <19 years presenting with symptoms that may occur in intussusception.

RESULTS

The clinical case definition accurately identified 185 of 191 assessable cases as "probable" intussusception and six cases as "possible" intussusception (sensitivity, 97%). No case of radiologic or surgically proven intussusception failed to be identified by the clinical case definition. The specificity of the definition in correctly identifying patients who did not have intussusception ranged from 87% to 91%.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical case definition for intussusception may assist in the prompt identification of patients with intussusception and may provide an important tool for the future trials of enteric vaccines.

Natural rotavirus infection is not associated to intussusception in Mexican children

AIMS

To determine whether natural rotavirus infection or infection by another enteropathogen is associated to intussusception (IS); and to describe the seasonality of IS compared with severe diarrhea (SD) and rotavirus SD in Mexican children.

METHODS

A prospective, observational, multicenter and case-control study was conducted in Mexico City from December 1999 to February 2001. Cases were children younger than 1 year old hospitalized for IS; diagnosis was made by clinical features, radiologic and/or surgery findings. Controls were children younger than 1 year old hospitalized for another disease than a gastrointestinal illness (NGI). Cases and controls were paired by age and date of admission (+/-3 months; for both), in a 1:2 ratio. A surveillance of IS cases, SD and rotavirus SD episodes was conducted during the study period. Stool samples collected soon after IS resolution or at admission were tested for rotavirus, adenovirus, astrovirus, bacteria and parasites.

RESULTS

Thirty cases of IS and 60 controls with NGI were studied. Rotavirus was not detected in any case of IS. Adenovirus (17%) was the only enteropathogen detected in IS. Rotavirus (8%), adenovirus (2%), astrovirus (2%) and bacteria (2%) were detected in NGI. Rotavirus infection was not associated with IS (odds ratio, 0; 95% confidence interval, 0-2.9), whereas adenovirus infection was strongly associated as risk factor for IS (odds ratio undefined; P = 0.003), compared with NGI. Seasonal variation in admissions for IS was small, whereas admissions for SD and rotavirus SD showed a marked seasonal increase during fall-winter.

CONCLUSIONS

In Mexican children, rotavirus infection was not associated to IS; whereas a significant association was observed between adenovirus and IS. Also there was no increase in IS cases during the sharply defined fall-winter rotavirus outbreak. Observations from this controlled study suggest that natural rotavirus infection is not a risk factor for IS. This information may have implications for development of a safer and effective rotavirus vaccine.

Intestinal imaging of children with acute rotavirus gastroenteritis

OBJECTIVE

To examine the morphology and motility of the distal small bowel of infants with rotavirus gastroenteritis using non-invasive/non-ionizing imaging technology.

METHODS

Prospective, non-randomized observational study of five infants with symptomatic rotavirus infection. Infants were imaged by real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound within 5 days of onset of gastroenteritis symptoms. Imaging studies were repeated in the convalescent period 5 to 9 weeks later.

RESULTS

Three of five infants had a significant increase in the ileal wall thickness visualized by ultrasound during acute rotavirus infection compared with convalescence. The number and size of mesenteric lymph nodes visualized by ultrasound appeared similar in the acute and convalescent phases, as did peristaltic activity assessed by MRI.

CONCLUSION

Abdominal ultrasound can detect changes in ileal wall thickness in infants with rotavirus infection. These changes may reflect ileal inflammation elicited by viral infection. Such studies may prove useful in evaluating morphologic response to attenuated rotavirus vaccines.

Adult intussusception: diagnosis and clinical relevance

Intussusception is relatively rare in the adult population and differs substantially from pediatric intussusception. Most adult intussusceptions identified at surgery are caused by a definable structural lesion, a substantial proportion of which are malignant, particularly in the colon. Small bowel intussusceptions, however, have a lower prevalence of malignancy. Diagnosis of adult intussusception can be made reliably with noninvasive imaging techniques. CT is now widely regarded as the modality of choice for diagnosing intussusception in adults, but ultrasound and MR imaging have also been used effectively. Determination of the presence of a malignant lead point remains problematic because an edematous or hemorrhagic intussuscipiens may mimic a mass on each modality. Markers for bowel viability have been described but are not precise. Treatment of the persistent symptomatic intussusception in which neoplasia is suspected is surgical, and preoperative reduction is contraindicated. Transient relatively asymptomatic enteric intussusceptions discovered by imaging may not require intervention.