Ultrasonographic demonstration of intussusception in the acute abdomen in a Zambian infant.

Ultrasonography demonstrated intussusception in a healthy and well nourished seven-month-old infant who presented with a four-day history of vomiting and abdominal pain. Plain film showed a right-sided abdominal mass, a paucity of gas within the right lower quadrant and loops of distended small bowel. This led to ultrasonography of the gastrointestinal tract that demonstrated typical "bull's eye" pattern within the intussusception process. No barium studies were performed and confirmation was obtained at operation. Ultrasonography of the bowel may be of value when investigating children with atypical acute abdomen.