What is the classic presentation associated with intussusception?

The classic presentation of intussusception includes the presence of a palpable sausage-shaped abdominal mass, which is often identified during a physical examination. This occurs as one segment of the bowel telescopes into an adjacent segment, leading to obstruction and the characteristic mass can sometimes be felt in the abdomen as a result.

When intussusception occurs, it typically causes intermittent abdominal pain, and the presence of the mass is a key indicator that helps in diagnosing the condition. Patients may also present with symptoms like "currant jelly" stools, which are stools mixed with blood and mucus as a result of intestinal ischemia.

While non-bilious vomiting can occur in intussusception, it is not as definitive a sign as the palpable mass. High fever may sometimes be present but is not a classic feature. Persistent diarrhea is not characteristic of intussusception, as the condition often leads to obstruction rather than the increased fluid output associated with diarrhea. Therefore, the identification of a sausage-shaped abdominal mass is fundamental to recognizing intussusception effectively in a clinical scenario.