skip to main content

Intussusception Peyer patch lead point — MRCPCH TAS MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardPathologyIntussusception Peyer patch lead pointMRCPCH TAS

A 9-month-old has episodic crying, vomiting and redcurrant jelly stool one week after a viral illness. Ultrasound shows a target sign. What pathological process most likely predisposed to this event?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Lymphoid hyperplasia acting as a lead point

In infants, intussusception commonly follows lymphoid hyperplasia of Peyer's patches after viral infection, creating a lead point. Aganglionosis causes Hirschsprung disease with neonatal obstruction rather than episodic telescoping of bowel. The pearl is that the ileocaecal region is the common site in typical infant intussusception.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics; RCPCH Theory examination syllabi; Lissauer's Illustrated Textbook of Paediatrics