[Radiologic examination of anorectal malformations]

The aim of the radiological exploration of an infant born with an ano-rectal malformation is the definition of the level and the type of the anomaly. At first a lateral abdominal roentgenogram is performed in an head-down position. The relation of the rectal cul-de-sac to the levator ani muscles is determined by its relation to the bony landmarks of the pelvis as reported by Stephens and Cremin. A real time perineal sonography is a useful complement, and permits the recognition of the same landmarks sought for by X-Ray. The research of a perineal or urinary fistula is performed at that time. In a second time, the research of associated malformations, mainly vertebral and urinary, is done.