Which imaging or intervention is used as both diagnostic and therapeutic for intussusception?

Which imaging or intervention is used as both diagnostic and therapeutic for intussusception?

• A. Pneumatic (air) enema
• B. Ultrasound
• C. CT scan
• D. MRI

Answer: (A)

Intussusception in children is often treated nonoperatively with a pneumatic (air) enema guided by imaging. The air under controlled pressure can unfold the telescoped bowel, and the imaging portion serves as the diagnostic check: you observe the air(bowel) flow and see whether the intussuscepted segment reduces and air (or contrast) passes into the small intestine. If reduction is achieved, symptoms improve and the exam confirms a successful result. If not, persistent telescoping is seen on real-time imaging, signaling the need for surgical evaluation. Ultrasound is excellent for diagnosing intussusception—showing a characteristic target or donut sign—but it does not reduce the bowel. CT and MRI can diagnose but do not provide therapeutic reduction.

Intussusception in children is often treated nonoperatively with a pneumatic (air) enema guided by imaging. The air under controlled pressure can unfold the telescoped bowel, and the imaging portion serves as the diagnostic check: you observe the air(bowel) flow and see whether the intussuscepted segment reduces and air (or contrast) passes into the small intestine. If reduction is achieved, symptoms improve and the exam confirms a successful result. If not, persistent telescoping is seen on real-time imaging, signaling the need for surgical evaluation.

Ultrasound is excellent for diagnosing intussusception—showing a characteristic target or donut sign—but it does not reduce the bowel. CT and MRI can diagnose but do not provide therapeutic reduction.