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Myospasm of internal anal sphincter in children
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110003, China.
Insights
Spasm of the internal anal sphincter, a cause of acute abdominal pain in children, is often unrecognized. This condition, characterized by lower abdominal pain and sigmoid colon dilation, can be relieved by digital rectal examination or glycerin suppositories.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Acute abdominal pain is a frequent pediatric complaint.
- Spasm of the internal anal sphincter is an underrecognized cause of acute abdominal pain in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical presentation and diagnostic features of internal anal sphincter spasm in children.
- To highlight this condition as a cause of acute abdominal pain.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 38 pediatric patients diagnosed with spasm of the internal anal sphincter.
- Clinical data, physical examination findings, and radiographic results were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The primary symptom was sudden-onset, continuous lower abdominal pain with paroxysmal exacerbations.
- Physical examination revealed sigmoid colon dilation and tenderness.
- Plain X-rays confirmed sigmoid colon and rectal dilation.
- Symptoms were alleviated by digital rectal examination or glycerin suppositories.
Conclusions:
- Temporary achalasia of the internal anal sphincter is identified as the cause of acute abdominal pain in these pediatric patients.
- Recognition of this condition is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and management.
Objective:
To introduce a common but not well-recognized acute abdominal disease in children.
Methods:
Thirty-eight children with spasm of the internal anal sphincter were reviewed.
Results:
The main symptom was the sudden onset of continuous pain in the lower abdomen with paroxysmal exacerbation. The typical sign was the dilation of the sigmoid colon with tenderness aggravated by pressure. Plain X-ray films showed dilation of the sigmoid colon and rectum. The symptoms could be relieved by digital rectal examination or a glycerin suppository.
Conclusions:
It is the temporary achalasia of the internal anal sphincter that causes acute abdominal pain.