The widespread application of computed tomography (CT) in different clinical situations has increased the detection of
intussusception, particularly non-lead point
intussusception, which tends to be transient. Consequently, determining the clinical significance of
intussusception seen at CT poses a diagnostic challenge. Patients with
intussusception may or may not be symptomatic, and symptoms can be acute, intermittent, or chronic, making clinical diagnosis difficult. In most cases, radiologists can readily make the correct diagnosis of intestinal
intussusception by noting the typical bowel-within-bowel appearance at abdominal CT. However, the CT findings that help differentiate between lead point and non-lead point
intussusception have not been well studied. Nevertheless, although there is considerable overlap of CT findings, when a lead mass is seen at CT as a separate and distinct entity vis-à-vis edematous bowel, it can be considered a reliable
indicator of a lead point
intussusception. Differentiating between lead point and non-lead point
intussusception is important in determining the appropriate treatment and has the potential to reduce the prevalence of unnecessary surgery.