Most often occurs in infants between 3 and 12 months of age, peaking at approximately 6 months of age.
Presentation often includes colicky abdominal pain, flexing of the legs, fever, lethargy, and vomiting.
The diagnosis may be suspected on plain abdominal x-rays, which reveal an intestinal obstruction and paucity of gas in the right lower quadrant; abdominal ultrasound may establish the diagnosis; contrast enema (air or contrast reagent) is the most specific and sensitive test for diagnosis.
The pathologic location is typically ileocecal.
Treatment involves reduction by contrast enema (air or contrast reagent); in cases where this is unsuccessful or where peritonitis exits, surgical reduction is required including intestinal resection for cases complicated by bowel necrosis and perforation.