What abdominal finding may be palpated in intussusception?

What abdominal finding may be palpated in intussusception?

• A. Sausage-shaped mass in the abdomen
• B. Diffuse tenderness
• C. Umbilical hernia
• D. Distended bladder

Answer: (A)

In intussusception, a segment of the bowel folds into an adjacent segment, creating a telescoped, thickened loops of bowel. This invaginated portion can be felt as a firm, elongated mass in the abdomen—classically described as a sausage-shaped mass, often located in the right upper or central abdomen of an infant. The mass arises from the invaginated bowel and surrounding edema, and it may be palpated during a careful abdominal exam, sometimes alongside intermittent cramping and other signs like pallor or vomiting. Diffuse tenderness is non-specific and can occur with many abdominal issues, not distinctive for intussusception. An umbilical hernia is a separate condition involving protrusion at the umbilicus, and a distended bladder points to urinary issues rather than an intestinal problem. Thus, the hallmark palpated finding pointing toward intussusception is the sausage-shaped abdominal mass.

In intussusception, a segment of the bowel folds into an adjacent segment, creating a telescoped, thickened loops of bowel. This invaginated portion can be felt as a firm, elongated mass in the abdomen—classically described as a sausage-shaped mass, often located in the right upper or central abdomen of an infant. The mass arises from the invaginated bowel and surrounding edema, and it may be palpated during a careful abdominal exam, sometimes alongside intermittent cramping and other signs like pallor or vomiting.

Diffuse tenderness is non-specific and can occur with many abdominal issues, not distinctive for intussusception. An umbilical hernia is a separate condition involving protrusion at the umbilicus, and a distended bladder points to urinary issues rather than an intestinal problem. Thus, the hallmark palpated finding pointing toward intussusception is the sausage-shaped abdominal mass.