What are the typical symptoms of intussusception?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: March 1, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

Intussusception typically presents with crampy, intermittent abdominal pain, sometimes progressing to bloody stools and lethargy, as noted in the study by 1. The symptoms of intussusception can vary, but common presentations include:

  • Sudden onset of severe, intermittent abdominal pain
  • Vomiting, which may become bilious
  • Passing "currant jelly" stools containing a mixture of blood and mucus
  • Lethargy between pain episodes
  • A palpable sausage-shaped abdominal mass, typically in the right upper quadrant As mentioned in the study by 1, intussusception may be diagnosed clinically by these symptoms, and it is unusual in the first 3 months of life. The condition occurs when one segment of intestine telescopes into an adjacent segment, causing obstruction and potentially compromising blood supply to the affected bowel, highlighting the importance of early recognition and prompt treatment, as delayed diagnosis can lead to intestinal ischemia, perforation, and peritonitis, as implied by the clinical evaluation and diagnostic workup discussed in the study by 1. Key considerations in the diagnosis of intussusception include:
  • A thorough clinical evaluation, including history and physical examination
  • Diagnostic imaging, typically ultrasound, to confirm the diagnosis
  • Prompt treatment, which may include air or contrast enema reduction or surgical intervention if non-surgical reduction fails, as suggested by the study by 1.

From the Research

Typical Symptoms of Intussusception

The typical symptoms of intussusception can vary depending on the age of the patient and the location of the intussusception. Some common symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain: This is one of the most common symptoms of intussusception, and it can range from mild to severe 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • Vomiting: Vomiting is another common symptom of intussusception, and it can occur in up to 81% of patients 2.
  • Hematochezia (rectal bleeding): This is a common symptom of intussusception, and it can occur in up to 61% of patients 2.
  • Abdominal mass: An abdominal mass can be palpated in some patients with intussusception 2, 5.
  • Nausea: Nausea is a common symptom of intussusception in adults, and it can occur in up to 49% of patients 3.
  • Lethargy: In some cases, intussusception can present with neurological symptoms such as lethargy, hypotonia, and generalized weakness 6.
  • Changes in consciousness: Intussusception can also present with changes in consciousness, such as fluctuating consciousness or paroxysmal events 6.

Atypical Symptoms

In some cases, intussusception can present with atypical symptoms, such as:

  • Isolated neurological symptomatology: Some patients may present with only neurological symptoms, such as lethargy or changes in consciousness, without any abdominal symptoms 6.
  • Traumatic intussusception: Intussusception can occur after abdominal blunt trauma, and the symptoms may be atypical, such as progressively worsening abdominal pain without vomiting or fever 4.

References

Guideline

acr appropriateness criteria® vomiting in infants.

Journal of the American College of Radiology, 2020

Research

Air reduction of intussusception after abdominal blunt trauma and a literature review.

Clinical and experimental emergency medicine, 2016

Research

[Neurological symptoms in children with intussusception].

Anales de pediatria (Barcelona, Spain : 2003), 2014

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.