Text Box: THE VALUE OF ABDOMINAL FILM IN INTUSSUSCEPTION IN CHILDREN 
Sun H-L Yuan X-Y Guan L-F
Department of Radiology, Capital Institute of Iediatric, Beijing, China 

Objective: To estimate the value of abdominal film in diagnosis and reduction of intussusception in children 
Methods: Abdominal films were performed in 100 cases of intussusception before confirmed by air enema. Age from 3 months to 5 years, of these, 51 patients came to hospital within 12 hours of clinical symptoms, 42 patients in 12~48 hours and 7 patients following 48 hours.
Results: 80 patients were reduced (reduction 80%). Patients are divided into three groups according to manifestation of film. No or less air in bowel group, 49 cases; 34 patients of them came within 12 hours of clinical symptoms, occupying 66.7% of patients during this period (reduction of this group 80%). Distention of bowel group, 33 cases; 17 cases of them came in 12~48 hours of clinical symptoms, occupying 40% of patients in this period (reduction of this group 91%). Intestinal obstruction group, 18 cases; (reduction of this group 51.5%). In 25 cases of all, mass would be find in abdominal radiograph.
Conclusion: No or less air in bowel loops is the most common finding in abdominal film of intussusception in children in early stage. This is very important sign in diagnosis intussusception in children in early phase. Distention of bowel loops were usual finding in film during 12~48 hours. This group is easier reduced than others. The intestinal obstruction group is difficult to be reduced. Abdominal film is important examination for intussception in children, but negative film does not exclude the diagnosis of intussusception.

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