Imperforate anus

Case contributed by Subhan Iqbal
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Neonate presented with inability to pass feces

Patient Data

Age: 2 days
Gender: Female
x-ray

Gaseous distension of the bowel loops is noted. No pneumoperitoneum.

x-ray

Prone lateral x-ray is conducted to illustrate the position of the most distal segment of the large bowel and then to differentiate whether it is high or low anal atresia.

Case Discussion

A coin was placed over the anticipated anal opening and the newborn was turned upside down. The distance of rectal shadow to coin is measured.

  • >2 cm represents the high type
  • <2 cm represents the low type

Anal atresia subtypes can be categorized into two wide categories: high (supralevator) or low (infralevator), depending on the location of the atretic portion.

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