What diagnostic sign is typically seen in ultrasound for intussusception?

The doughnut or target sign is a diagnostic indicator observed in ultrasound imaging of intussusception. This sign appears when a section of the intestine telescopes into an adjacent section, creating a characteristic cross-sectional appearance that resembles a doughnut or target. The inner ring represents the intussuscepting bowel, while the outer ring corresponds to the surrounding bowel or mesentery. This feature is critical for the diagnosis of intussusception in pediatric patients, as it provides a visual cue that aligns with the clinical presentation and know-how about this condition.

In contrast, other signs such as the halo sign, apple core sign, or string of sausages sign correlate with different clinical scenarios or conditions. The halo sign is typically associated with other abdominal conditions, while the apple core sign can indicate a colon malignancy. The string of sausages sign refers to the appearance of the small bowel in cases of bowel obstruction or other conditions and does not specifically pertain to intussusception. Thus, identifying the doughnut or target sign is crucial for accurately diagnosing intussusception during an ultrasound examination.