Spontaneous reduction of intussusception: verification with US.

PURPOSE

To report cases of spontaneous reduction of intussusception.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors reviewed the clinical and imaging findings in four patients with intussusception. Patients ranged in age from 3 to 7 months and were seen over a 12-year period.

RESULTS

Intussusception was diagnosed with ultrasound (US) in all four patients; however, when enema studies were performed, intussusception was not identified. Repeat US also failed to demonstrate the presence of an intussusception, and all four patients showed concomitant rapid resolution of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous reduction of intussusception is probably more common than is generally thought, and its documentation was facilitated with US. It is likely that spontaneously reduced intussusception will be documented more frequently in the future.