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The role of rectal ultrasound in children with functional constipation

Ahmed M Hamdy1, Hossam M Sakr2, Ireny S Boules1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|January 31, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Children with functional constipation have significantly larger transverse rectal diameters than healthy children. This measurement aids in diagnosing and monitoring constipation, with age-specific cut-offs recommended for accuracy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Functional constipation (FC) is a common pediatric condition.
  • Accurate diagnosis and monitoring are crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare transverse rectal diameter in children with and without functional constipation.
  • To evaluate changes in rectal diameter after treatment for constipation.
  • To identify factors influencing rectal diameter in pediatric constipation.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 100 children aged 2-11 years.
  • 50 children diagnosed with functional constipation (Rome IV criteria) and 50 age/sex-matched controls.
  • Transverse rectal diameter measured via ultrasound at baseline and after 3 months of treatment.

Main Results:

  • Children with functional constipation had significantly larger initial rectal diameters (3.55 cm) compared to controls (2.3 cm).
  • Rectal diameter significantly reduced after 3 months of treatment (2.6 cm).
  • Duration of constipation symptoms positively correlated with rectal diameter.

Conclusions:

  • Ultrasound measurement of transverse rectal diameter is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring functional constipation in children.
  • Age-specific diagnostic cut-off values for rectal diameter are suggested (>3 cm for children >4 years, >2.5 cm for children <4 years).
Abstract

Keywords:
Romechildconstipationrectumultrasonography

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