Currant jelly stool

Currant jelly stool is a medical term used to describe a type of stool that appears dark red and gelatinous, resembling currant jelly. This symptom is often associated with severe gastrointestinal conditions, particularly in infants and young children.

Causes

Currant jelly stool is most commonly associated with intussusception, a serious condition where a part of the intestine folds into another section of the intestine, leading to a blockage. This can cause a reduction in blood flow to the affected part of the intestine, resulting in the death of intestinal tissue and the release of blood and mucus into the stool.

Other potential causes of currant jelly stool include:

• Meckel's diverticulum
• Necrotizing enterocolitis
• Gastrointestinal bleeding

Symptoms

In addition to currant jelly stool, patients with intussusception may exhibit other symptoms such as:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• A palpable mass in the abdomen

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of currant jelly stool and its underlying cause typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These may include:

• Ultrasound
• X-ray
• Barium enema
• CT scan

Treatment

The treatment for currant jelly stool depends on the underlying cause. For intussusception, treatment options may include:

• Non-surgical reduction using a barium or air enema
• Surgical intervention to correct the intussusception and remove any necrotic tissue

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with currant jelly stool varies depending on the underlying cause and the timeliness of treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for a favorable outcome, particularly in cases of intussusception.

Related Pages

• Intussusception
• Meckel's diverticulum
• Necrotizing enterocolitis
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Ultrasound
• Barium enema