Intussusception occurs when a proximal segment of bowel folds or telescopes into the adjacent distal segment, like a collapsing telescope, causing intestinal obstruction and potentially compromising blood supply to the affected bowel. It is the most common cause of bowel obstruction in children between 6 months and 3 years of age. On ultrasound, the classic finding is the target sign or doughnut sign in the transverse plane, showing concentric rings of alternating echogenicity representing the layers of bowel-within-bowel, and the pseudokidney sign in the longitudinal plane. Ultrasound is the first-line diagnostic tool for pediatric intussusception and, in many centers, ultrasound or fluoroscopic-guided air or saline enema is used for non-surgical reduction.
Sonography Term