Brief Reports
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2005. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Oct 14, 2005; 11(38): 6027-6030
Published online Oct 14, 2005. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i38.6027
Manometric assessment of idiopathic megarectum in constipated children
Giuseppe Chiarioni, Giuseppe de Roberto, Alessandro Mazzocchi, Antonio Morelli, Gabrio Bassotti
Giuseppe Chiarioni, Gastroenterological Rehabilitation Division of the University of Verona, Valeggio sul Mincio Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera of Verona, Valeggio sul Mincio, Verona 37067, Italy
Giuseppe de Roberto, Alessandro Mazzocchi, Antonio Morelli, Gabrio Bassotti, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06100, Italy
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Dr. Gabrio Bassotti, Clinica di Gastroenterologia ed Epatologia Via Enrico Dal Pozzo, Padiglione W,Perugia 06100, Italy. gabassot@tin.it
Telephone: +39-75-584-7570
Received: January 26, 2004
Revised: April 15, 2005
Accepted: April 18, 2005
Published online: October 14, 2005
Abstract

AIM: Chronic constipation is a frequent finding in children. In this age range, the concomitant occurrence of megarectum is not uncommon. However, the definition of megarectum is variable, and a few data exist for Italy. We studied anorectal manometric variables and sensation in a group of constipated children with megarectum defined by radiologic criteria. Data from this group were compared with those obtained in a similar group of children with recurrent abdominal pain.

METHODS: Anorectal testing was carried out in both groups by standard manometric technique and rectal balloon expulsion test.

RESULTS: Megarectum patients displayed discrete abnormalities of anorectal variables and sensation with respect to controls. In particular, the pelvic floor function appeared to be impaired in most patients.

CONCLUSION: Constipated children with megarectum have abnormal anorectal function and sensation. These findings may be helpful for a better understanding of the pathophysiological basis of this condition.

Keywords: Constipation; Manometry; Megarectum