Determinants of ultrasound-guided reduction failure and pathological lead points in pediatric intussusception

TL;DR

This study identifies factors predicting failed ultrasound-guided treatment and hidden intestinal issues in children with intussusception.

Contribution

The study identifies specific clinical predictors of failed USGSE and pathological lead points in pediatric intussusception.

Findings

Symptom duration >24 hours and bloody stools predict USGSE failure in pediatric intussusception.

Failed USGSE strongly indicates the presence of a pathological lead point, most commonly Meckel’s diverticulum.

USGSE is safe and effective, with a 76.92% overall reduction success rate.

Abstract

Intussusception is a leading cause of acute intestinal obstruction in children. Ultrasound-guided hydrostatic saline enema (USGSE) is widely accepted as first-line non-surgical management, but predictors of reduction failure and pathological lead points (PLPs) are not well defined.

We retrospectively reviewed pediatric patients (< 18 years) with ileocolic intussusception treated between 2012 and 2022. Clinical variables included symptom duration, vomiting, bloody stools, and age. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of failed USGSE and PLPs.

Eighty-nine patients (93 episodes) were analyzed; 97.85% underwent USGSE as initial treatment. Overall reduction success was 76.92% (70/91) and 90.28% (65/72) in patients without PLPs, with no complications. Symptom duration > 24 h was associated with failed USGSE (OR 4.29, p = 0.0052). After excluding PLP cases, predictors of failure included symptom duration > 24 h (OR 13.97, p = 0.0059), bloody stools (OR 6.83, p = 0.0245), and younger age (p = 0.0094). PLPs were identified in 18 patients (20.2%), most commonly Meckel’s diverticulum. Failed USGSE was the sole independent predictor of a PLP (OR 107.26, p < 0.0001).

USGSE is safe and highly effective for pediatric ileocolic intussusception. Prolonged symptoms and bloody stools predict reduction failure, while failed USGSE strongly indicates an underlying PLP, supporting prompt intervention and surgical evaluation when reduction is unsuccessful.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00383-026-06315-8.

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