A three year old male child presents with history of constipation and abdominal distension for the last two years. The plain radiograph of abdomen reveals fecal matter containing distended bowel loops. A barium enema study done subsequently shows a transition zone at the recto-sigmoid junction with reversal of recto-sigmoid ratio. The most probable diagnosis is;
Ans. is 'c' i.e. Hirschsprung's disease Don't get confused with the late onset of disease. Hirschsprung's disease usually presents shortly after birth but sometimes the onset can be delayed.All the other features in this patient confirms the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's diseaseThe contrast enema in case of Hirschsprung's disease demonstrates a) Aganglionic segment that appears narrow in comparison with the dilated proximal bowel. This zone of the intestine with proximal dilated intestine along with caudal narrow aganglionic segment is the transition zone.b) Normally the rectum is wider than the rest of the colon (except caecum) and when the rectum is seen to be narrower than the proximal colon. The diagnosis is Hirschsprung's disease.Other features of Hirschsprung disease have been discussed in previous year papers.There is some confusion about option 'd' because Hirschsprung disease is also known as congenital megacolon. May be they intended to give idiopathic megacolon.
Anal atresia
Malrotation of the gut
Hirschsprung's disease
Congenital megacolon
Colon and Rectum - Benign Colonic Disorders