Which condition presents with a "sausage-shaped" abdomen in infants?

The description of a "sausage-shaped" abdomen in infants is characteristic of intussusception. This condition occurs when a part of the intestine telescopes into an adjacent segment, leading to obstruction. As this telescoping happens, it can create a palpable mass that resembles a sausage, resulting in the distinctive abdominal appearance.

Intussusception is often accompanied by other symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and possibly blood in the stool, which may appear currant jelly-like due to the mixing of blood and mucus. This combination of findings makes the diagnosis recognizable.

In contrast, appendicitis typically presents with localized right lower quadrant pain and tenderness, and while it can cause some abdominal distension, it does not produce a "sausage-shaped" appearance. A hernia would generally present as a bulge in the abdomen or groin area rather than a change in the overall shape of the abdomen. Inflammatory bowel disease can cause abdominal discomfort and distension, but it does not typically result in a distinct abdominal shape like intussusception does. Thus, the features of intussusception specifically align with the "sausage-shaped" abdomen seen in infants.