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Updated: Mar 20, 2026
Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Published on: April 17, 2019
[Rectal prolapse revealing a tumor: The role of abdominal ultrasound]
E Bequet1, L Stiennon2, A Lhomme2
1Service universitaire de pédiatrie, CHR de la Citadelle, boulevard du Douzième-de-Ligne 1, 4000 Liège, Belgique; Service universitaire de pédiatrie, CHU de Liège, avenue de l'Hôpital, 1, 4000 Liège, Belgique.
Insights
Rectal prolapse in children is rare but can signal serious conditions like intra-abdominal tumors. Consider abdominal imaging for recurrent prolapse or associated urinary/neurological symptoms for early diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Rectal prolapse in children is uncommon and often benign.
- Associated conditions include cystic fibrosis and increased intra-abdominal pressure.
- This review focuses on underlying pathologies requiring consideration by pediatricians.
Observation:
- Three pediatric cases of rectal prolapse associated with intra-abdominal tumors are presented.
- Current guidelines do not mandate routine abdominal imaging for pediatric rectal prolapse.
- Imaging is indicated in specific scenarios to identify expansive processes.
Findings:
- Recurrent rectal prolapse warrants further investigation.
- Associated urinary or neurological signs are critical indicators for imaging.
- Ultrasound is recommended as the primary imaging modality due to its safety and efficacy in children.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of intra-abdominal tumors in children with rectal prolapse is crucial.
- Systematic imaging may be beneficial in select pediatric cases of rectal prolapse.
- This approach can lead to timely treatment of pediatric neoplasms.
Abstract:
Rectal prolapse is rare in children and usually benign. However, there are various diseases that can be associated with it, such as cystic fibrosis or other causes of increased abdominal pressure. Here, we review the various underlying conditions that pediatricians or pediatric gastroenterologists should consider in the case of rectal prolapse. We report on three cases of children with a rectal prolapse and intra-abdominal tumors. Current recommendations and practice do not include a systematic check via abdominal imaging in cases of rectal prolapse. However, in some situations, imaging is indicated to detect a possible expansive process. Thus, in the presence of recurrent prolapse or of associated urinary or neurological signs, imaging is justified so as to allow for an early diagnosis and treatment of these neoplasms. Given its lack of radiation exposure and good sensitivity in children, ultrasound imaging is the first choice.
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