However, intussusception can cause a loop of bowel to become necrotic, secondary to ischemia due to compression to arterial blood supply.

Such patients who develop intussusception often present with severe abdominal pain in addition to the classic signs and symptoms of HSP.

An anatomic lead point (that is, a piece of intestinal tissue that protrudes into the bowel lumen) is present in approximately 10% of intussusceptions.

This creates the classically described "red currant jelly" stool, which is a mixture of sloughed mucosa, blood, and mucus.

[8] An intussusception is often suspected based on history and physical exam, including observation of Dance's sign.

Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosis and exclusion of intussusception, due to its high accuracy and lack of radiation.

[10] It is also called "pseudokidney" sign because hyperechoic tubular centre is covered by a hypoechoic rim producing a kidney-like appearance.

Abdominal pain, vomiting, and stool with mucus and blood are present in acute gastroenteritis, but diarrhea is the leading symptom.

Rectal prolapse can be differentiated by projecting mucosa that can be felt in continuity with the perianal skin, whereas in intussusception the finger may pass indefinitely into the depth of the sulcus.

[citation needed] Cases where it cannot be reduced by an enema or the intestine is damaged require surgical reduction.

In a surgical reduction, the surgeon opens the abdomen and manually squeezes (rather than pulls) the part that has telescoped.

[citation needed] Intussusception may become a medical emergency if not treated early, as it eventually causes death if not reduced.

In developing countries where medical hospitals are not easily accessible, especially when other problems complicate the intussusception, death becomes almost inevitable.

[citation needed] The outlook for intussusception is excellent when treated quickly, but when untreated it can lead to death within two to five days.

Prolonged intussusception also increases the likelihood of bowel ischemia and necrosis, requiring surgical resection.