They exhibit smooth bowel walls lacking normal haustrations. This is suggestive of a small bowel obstruction. The target and crescent signs are the most accurate in making the diagnosis of intussusception on a plain film. The target sign is seen twice as often as the crescent sign. An abdominal mass is most commonly seen on radiographs, but it is non-specific.
Barium enema is the gold standard of diagnosis.
It often results in a successful reduction of the intussusception as well. Ultrasound and air contrast enemas have also been used to diagnose intussusception. Patients with hypovolemic shock should first have their intravascular volume restored before undergoing a barium enema. Any patient with evidence of bowel perforation should be taken immediately to surgery. Vomiting is a common reason to seek emergency or acute care.