ABSTRACT
Prenatal intussusception is a recognized cause of intestinal atresia. Prenatal intussusception may be associated with isolated or transient fetal ascites, meconium peritoritis, or a meconium pseudocyst. Some cases are due to a Meckel's diverticulum. Although intussusception is common in the first year of life, it is rare in neonates and premature infants, accounting for fewer than 1" of cases. The key features of intussusception are those of a bowel obstruction. When intussusception occurs in premature infants or in the neonatal period, its presentation may mimic neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis. When a diagnosis of intussusception is suspected and there is no clinical evidence of necrotic bowel, reduction of the intussusception by gas enema should be attempted. There is considerable evidence that the gas enema is more effective and safer than the barium enema for reduction of intussusception that extends beyond the ileocecal valve. Flooding of the small bowel with gas signifies a complete reduction of the intussusception.
