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Hypoganglionosis in pregnancy: a case report
Ana Figueiredo1, Isabel Martins, Fátima Palma
1Maternidade Dr, Alfredo da Costa, Rua do Viriato, Lisbon, 1069-089, Portugal. ananevesfigueiredo@hotmail.com.
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|September 15, 2012
Summary
This case study highlights a rare instance of isolated hypoganglionosis diagnosed in early pregnancy. Management involved medical therapy, but complications arose during labor, impacting the fetus.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Obstetrics
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Presents a rare case of isolated hypoganglionosis diagnosed in early pregnancy.
- Highlights the need for multidisciplinary obstetric and gastroenterological management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the obstetric and gastroenterological management of isolated hypoganglionosis during pregnancy.
- To share insights from a unique case to improve clinical orientation for similar rare conditions.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an 18-year-old pregnant woman with symptoms of abdominal mass, pain, and constipation.
- Utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis of megarectum and megasigmoid.
- Managed medically during pregnancy, with surgical intervention (sigmoid resection) post-delivery.
Main Results:
- Medical management during pregnancy was successful, with no major maternal complications.
- A fecaloma complicated labor, necessitating manual disimpaction and emergency Cesarean section.
- The neonate experienced hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy due to intrapartum complications.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancies complicated by megacolon are rare, lacking established clinical guidelines.
- This case underscores the complexities of managing intestinal innervation disorders during pregnancy.
- Emphasizes the importance of careful monitoring and multidisciplinary care for both mother and fetus.
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