An 8-month-old infant presents with sudden paroxysms of severe colicky abdominal pain during which he draws his legs to his chest, interspersed with periods of lethargy. Several hours later, he passes a stool resembling 'red currant jelly'. What is the diagnosis?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Acute ileocolic intussusception
- Step 1: Intussusception occurs when a proximal bowel segment invaginates into a distal segment (most commonly ileum into colon).
- Step 2: Venous congestion causes mucosal ischemia and shedding of mucus and blood ('currant jelly' stool).
- Step 3: Ultrasound demonstrating a 'target' or 'donut' sign confirms the diagnosis, and air/contrast enema is diagnostic and therapeutic.
Answer
Acute ileocolic intussusception.
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