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[X-ray diagnosis of the causes of chronic constipation in children]

L A Laptev, M I Pykov, E A Zvëzdkina

    Vestnik Rentgenologii I Radiologii
    |October 7, 2004
    PubMed

    Insights

    Chronic constipation in children often stems from impaired defecation due to pelvic floor muscle asynergy. Colonoproctodefecography is identified as the most informative diagnostic technique for these pediatric patients.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Gastroenterology
    • Colorectal Surgery
    • Diagnostic Imaging

    Background:

    • The etiology of chronic constipation in children is not fully understood.
    • Standardized examination protocols for pediatric constipation are lacking.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the most informative diagnostic technique for chronic constipation in children.
    • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of chronic constipation in pediatric patients.

    Main Methods:

    • X-ray studies were conducted on over 300 children with chronic constipation across various age groups.
    • Colonoproctodefecography was employed as a key diagnostic imaging technique.

    Main Results:

    • Colonoproctodefecography proved to be the most informative method for evaluating pediatric constipation.
    • Slightly impaired intestinal transit was observed.
    • Impaired defecation, attributed to pelvic floor muscle asynergy, was identified as the primary cause.
    • Dysfunction of pelvic diaphragm muscles presented in three main variants and their combinations.

    Conclusions:

    • Chronic constipation in children is frequently linked to defecation dysfunction caused by pelvic floor asynergy.
    • Colonoproctodefecography is a highly valuable tool for diagnosing the causes of chronic constipation in pediatric populations.

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