Clinical Image
Austin J Surg.2015;2(4): 1063.
Transient Target Sign: Unusual Cause of Abdominal Pain
Audrey Hand* and Vinay Singhal
Easton Hospital, Drexel University School of Medicine,USA
*Corresponding author: Audrey Hand, 250 South 21st Street Easton PA 18042, Easton Hospital, Pennsylvania,USA
Received: June 12, 2015; Accepted: June 22, 2015; Published: June 25, 2015
Clinical Image
A 28-year-old male presented to the hospital in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) with acute onset of abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. The DKA was managed medically, however abdominal pain persisted. On physical exam a mass was palpable in the periumbilical region with diffuse tenderness. A CT scan (Panel A) revealed an intussusception without a lead point seen above as a target sign [red arrow]. The patient was managed with bowel rest and nasogastric tube placement. The following day repeat CT scan (Panel B) showed resolution of the initial intussusception with two new areas of intussusception [white arrows]. The patient improved clinically with conservative management. A follow-up small bowel series after one month was normal. Transient intussusception is a rare cause of abdominal pain in adults. In specific cases of intussusception, without an identifiable lead point, conservative management rather than surgery is a treatment option.
Figure 1: A CT scan (Panel A) revealed an intussusception without a lead
point seen above as a target sign [red arrow].
Figure 2: Resolution of the initial intussusception with two new areas of
intussusception [white arrows].
Download PDF