The role of abdominal x-rays in the diagnosis and management of intussusception. Pediatr Emerg Care 1992 Dec;8(6):325-7
Date
12/01/1992Pubmed ID
1454638DOI
10.1097/00006565-199212000-00004Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0026496076 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 26 CitationsAbstract
The management of intussusception requires early diagnosis and reduction with either barium enema or surgical intervention. Supine and erect abdominal radiographs are often obtained prior to ordering a barium enema. In many pediatric centers, the critical, initial interpretation of these radiographs is made by nonradiologists and, in most instances, by pediatric emergency physicians. We determined the sensitivity and specificity of abdominal radiographs in diagnosing intussusception when interpreted by these physicians. Six full-time pediatric emergency physicians evaluated 126 radiographs from 42 patients with intussusception, 42 in whom the disease was clinically suspected but ruled out, and 42 in whom the final radiology report was "normal." These were presented to pediatric emergency physicians in a blinded, randomized sequence without any additional clinical information. These physicians then identified patients for whom they would proceed to barium enema. The mean sensitivity was 80.5% (range, 71-93%), and the mean specificity was 58% (range, 48-69%). This compares favorably to the sensitivity of signs and symptoms, and we conclude that plain and upright abdominal films are a useful adjunct for the clinician evaluating patients for suspected intussusception.
Author List
Smith DS, Bonadio WA, Losek JD, Walsh-Kelly CM, Hennes HM, Glaeser PW, Melzer-Lange M, Rimm AAAuthor
Marlene D. Melzer-Lange MD Adjunct Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Barium SulfateChild, Preschool
Double-Blind Method
Emergency Medicine
Enema
False Positive Reactions
Humans
Infant
Intussusception
Pediatrics
Radiography, Abdominal
Sensitivity and Specificity
