Currarino syndrome with immature teratoma: A case report with review of literature.

ABSTRACT: Currarino syndrome (CS) is a rare congenital syndrome characterized by a triad of anorectal malformation, sacral deformity, and presacral mass. In about 50% of cases, it is caused by HLXB9 gene mutation in chromosome 7q36. A 13-month-male child presented with presacral discharging sinus with a history of surgery for anorectal malformation and perineal fistula at the time of birth. On detailed investigation, the child revealed to have anal atresia, hemisacrum, and presacral mass. Histopathology of presacral mass showed features of immature teratoma. The presacral mass in CS is mostly an anterior myelomeningocele or presacral teratoma. The development of immature teratoma in presacral mass is very rare. The histopathological identification of immature component of teratoma in the presacral mass of CS is important for risk stratification and further management. Suspicion of CS should be raised in any child presenting with partial phenotype of the triad.

LUMBAR syndrome-OEIS complex overlap: A case series and review.

We present three new and six published infants with overlapping features of LUMBAR syndrome (lower body hemangioma, urogenital anomalies, spinal cord malformations, bony deformities, anorectal/arterial anomalies and renal anomalies) and OEIS complex (omphalocele, exstrophy, imperforate anus, and spinal defects), also known as cloacal exstrophy. OEIS is included under the recently proposed umbrella coined recurrent constellations of embryonic malformations (RCEMs). The RCEMs represent a phenotypically overlapping spectrum of rare disorders of caudal dysgenesis with unknown cause but likely shared pathogenesis. It has recently been proposed that LUMBAR be considered an RCEM. This report of infants with combined features of OEIS and LUMBAR is the first to demonstrate an overlap between LUMBAR and another RCEM, which supports LUMBAR's inclusion within the RCEM spectrum.

Hypoxia due to positive pressure ventilation in Edwards' syndrome: A case report.

Edwards' syndrome also known as trisomy 18 is a congenital disorder associated with cardiovascular issues including ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent duct arteriosus (PDA). An emergency colostomy was performed on a neonate born with an imperforate anus. Pre-operative transthoracic echocardiography showed presence of VSD, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or ASD. Even though the baby had a good general condition and optimal peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), during positive pressure ventilation, she suffered severe hypoxia (50% SpO2). The cause of the hypoxia was thought to be the right-left shunt and so during a second attempt at anaesthesia a vasopressor (noradrenaline 0.03 µg/kg/min) was infused to increase systemic vascular resistance. Thereafter, SpO2 increased to 80-90% and the surgery was completed. The baby recovered without any neurological complications. Genetic testing post-partum showed she had Edwards' syndrome.

Is measuring the residual rectourethral fistula during laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through for male high/intermediate type imperforate anus beneficial? Mid-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: We evaluated routine intraoperative residual rectourethral fistula measurement (IRRFM) in 20 consecutive male imperforate anus with recto-bulbar (RB; n=12) or recto-prostatic (RP; n=8) fistula during laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) for preventing incomplete fistula excision (IFE) on mid-term follow-up. METHODS: Twenty consecutive LAARP performed at a mean age of 10months (range: 3-30) followed-up for a mean of 4.8years (range: 1.5-9) were reviewed. IRRFM involves using a calibrated catheter and a cystoscope to measure the distance between where dissection was ceased at the rectal end and the urethral orifice (Figure). Dissection and IRRFM were repeated until the fistula was <5mm, then tied, and divided. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pelvic ultrasonography were used to exclude IFE and cyst formation. RESULTS: Residual fistula was 4-18mm on initial IRRFM. Unless measured, dissection cannot proceed to <5mm safely with poentical for urethral injury or IFE. With experience, initial IRRFM were shorter, especially in RP (Table 1). Before the IRRFM era, our incidence of cysts was 2/11 (18%), but here we found no evidence of cyst formation on MRI, no dysuria, and no urinary tract infections. CONCLUSIONS: Mid-term review demonstrates that IFE can be prevented successfully by IRRFM during LAARP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case Series with no Comparison Group, Level IV.

Effect of folic acid in a modified experimental model of anorectal malformations adriamycin-induced in rats

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of a single dose of adriamycin (ADR) to induce anorectal malformations (ARMs) and determine the effect of folic acid (FA) in this model. METHODS: Ten female Wistar rats were divided randomly in two groups. Group A - ADR; Group B - FA+ADR. Dams from group B received daily, since two weeks before the pregnancy to the end of pregnancy, FA (50mg/kg) by gavage. Dams from both groups received ADR (6mk/kg) by intraperitoneal injection on gestational day (GD) 8. Their fetuses were harvested by cesarean section on GD21 and were examined looking for ARMs. The thickness of anal stratified squamous epithelium (ASSE) and intestinal epithelium (IE) were analyzed. p≤0.05*. RESULTS: 81 fetuses were harvested. The number of fetuses; number of ARMs; mean (∆%) (± SD) were determined to be, respectively: ADR - 41[29;65%(±37%)] versus FA+ADR - 40[04;16%(±36%)] (p=0.05). AMRs were significantly lower in FA+ADR group than in ADR group (p=0.05). The thickness (µm) of ASSE (± SD) and IE (± SD) were measured, respectively: ADR - [25.98(±0.74) and 19.48(±1.68)] versus FA+ADR - [24.74(±0.91) and 24.80(±0.81)] (p<0.005). The thickness of IE was significantly enlarged when FA was given (p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Single dose of adriamycin on D8 was able to induce anorectal malformations. Folic acid reduces the number and enlarged the IE of ARMs ADR-induced.

Genetic research and structural dysplasia assessment of anorectal malformations in neonatal male rats induced by di(n-butyl) phthalate.

This study was the first to investigate the genetic abnormalities and structural dysplasia of anorectal malformations (ARMs) in male rats induced by di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP). DBP was administered to timed-pregnant rats to establish the ARM rat model. The incidence of ARMs in male offspring was 39.5%. In neonatal period, decreased body weight and anogenital distance were observed. The general image and histological analysis of male offspring confirmed the presence of ARMs. Anatomical examination of the ARM male rats revealed the dysplasia in solid organs (heart-lung, liver, spleen, and kidney). The decreases of serum testosterone concentration and androgen receptor expression in terminal rectum were indicative of the antiandrogenic effects of DBP. Moreover, significant decreased mRNA expressions of these androgen-related genes such as sonic hedgehog, Gli2, Gli3, bone morphogenetic protein 4, Wnt5a, Hoxa13, Hoxd13, fibroblast growth factor 10, and fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 were found in terminal rectum of the ARM male pubs. These results demonstrated that development of ARM rats was impaired by maternal exposure to DBP. The antiandrogenic effects of DBP disturbing the androgen-related signaling networks might play an important role in the occurrence of ARMs.

Evaluation of postoperative anal functions using endoanal ultrasonography and anorectal manometry in children with congenital anorectal malformations.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the postoperative anorectal anatomy and function in children with congenital anorectal malformations (ARM) using endoanal ultrasonography (EUS) and anorectal manometry. METHODS: This study included 47 children who had undergone posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) or transperineal anorectoplasty for the repair of an ARM. Children were grouped according to symptoms of defecation disorder, including normal defecation, fecal soiling, fecal incontinence, and constipation. Ten children with no history of anal or rectal diseases served as healthy controls. A well-established scoring system was used for the evaluation of anal function and defecation disorder. RESULTS: EUS showed significant differences in the thickness of the interior sphincter between the ARM patients and the healthy controls (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was found in the thickness of the interior sphincters between the PSARP group and transperineal anorectoplasty group (P>0.05). Anorectal manometry showed that the balloon volumes were significantly different between the surgical group and the control group (P<0.01), and between the low defect group and the intermediate-high defect group (P=0.022). Balloon volume was significantly correlated with anal function scores (r=-0.30, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EUS and anorectal manometry can provide objective assessment of postoperative anorectal anatomy and function in children with ARM.

Asociación de fistula rectovaginal congénita con ano normal (Fístulas Tipo H) y atresia rectal en una paciente. Reporte de un caso y breve revisión de la literatura / Congenital recto-vaginal fistula associated with a normal anus (type H fistula) and rectal atresia in a patient. Report of a case and a brief revision of the literature.

Las malformaciones ano-rectales del tipo de fístulas recto-urogenitales congénitas con ano normal y atresia rectal son anomalías poco frecuentes. Se discute el caso de una niña con la asociación de estas dos entidades, acompañada además de una vagina doble, quien fue llevada a la consulta a los siete días de vida por la expulsión de heces a través de los genitales. Las malformaciones fueron corregidas a través de un abordaje sagital posterior, con descenso del recto hasta el ano sin disección perineal. El tabique vaginal fue resecado a través de la vulva. En la actualidad no hay evidencia de recurrencia de la fístula recto-vaginal.

Congenital recto-urogenital type fistulas with a normal anus and rectal atresia, represent both anorectal malformations that are infrequently seen in clinical practice. We describe the case of a girl with an association of these two anomalies, together with a double vagina who, on her seventh day of life, expelled feces through her genitals. The malformations were corrected by means of a posterior sagittal approach, descending from the rectum to the anus without perineal dissection. The vaginal septum was resected thru the vulva. There is no evidence of recurrence of the recto-vaginal fistula.

High resolution MRI for preoperative work-up of neonates with an anorectal malformation: a direct comparison with distal pressure colostography/fistulography.

OBJECTIVE: To compare MRI and colostography/fistulography in neonates with anorectal malformations (ARM), using surgery as reference standard. METHODS: Thirty-three neonates (22 boys) with ARM were included. All patients underwent both preoperative high-resolution MRI (without sedation or contrast instillation) and colostography/fistulography. The Krickenbeck classification was used to classify anorectal malformations, and the level of the rectal ending in relation to the levator muscle was evaluated. RESULTS: Subjects included nine patients with a bulbar recto-urethral fistula, six with a prostatic recto-urethral fistula, five with a vestibular fistula, five with a cloacal malformation, four without fistula, one with a H-type fistula, one with anal stenosis, one with a rectoperineal fistula and one with a bladderneck fistula. MRI and colostography/fistulography predicted anatomy in 88 % (29/33) and 61 % (20/33) of cases, respectively (p = 0.012). The distal end of the rectal pouch was correctly predicted in 88 % (29/33) and 67 % (22/33) of cases, respectively (p = 0.065). The length of the common channel in cloacal malformation was predicted with MRI in all (100 %, 5/5) and in 80 % of cases (4/5) with colostography/fistulography. Two bowel perforations occurred during colostography/fistulography. CONCLUSIONS: MRI provides the most accurate evaluation of ARM and should be considered a serious alternative to colostography/fistulography during preoperative work-up. KEY POINTS: • High-resolution MRI is feasible without the use of sedation or anaesthesia. • MRI is more accurate than colostography/fistulography in visualising the type of ARM. • MRI is as reliable as colostography/fistulography in predicting the level of the rectal pouch. • Colostography/fistulography can be complicated by bowel perforation.

Mutations in PTF1A are not a common cause for human VATER/VACTERL association or neural tube defects mirroring Danforth's short tail mouse.

Danforth's short tail (Sd) mutant mice exhibit defects of the neural tube and other abnormalities, which are similar to the human vertebral anomalies, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheosophageal fistula and/or esophageal atresia, renal and radial abnormalities, and limb defects (VATER/VACTERL) association, including defects of the hindgut. Sd has been shown to underlie ectopic gene expression of murine Ptf1a, which encodes pancreas-specific transcription factor 1A, due to the insertion of a retrotansposon in its 5' regulatory domain. In order to investigate the possible involvement of this gene in human VATER/VACTERL association and human neural tube defects (NTDs), a sequence analysis was performed. DNA samples from 103 patients with VATER/VACTERL and VATER/VACTERL­like association, all presenting with anorectal malformations, and 72 fetuses with NTDs, where termination of pregnancy had been performed, were included in the current study. The complete PTF1A coding region, splice sites and 1.5 kb of the 5' flanking promotor region was sequenced. However, no pathogenic alterations were detected. The results of the present study do not support the hypothesis that high penetrant mutations in these regions of PTF1A are involved in the development of human VATER/VACTERL association or NTDs, although rare mutations may be detectable in larger patient samples.

Second branchial cleft anomaly with an ectopic tooth: a case report.

Branchial cleft cysts, sinuses, and fistulas are the most common congenital lateral neck lesions in children. They arise as a result of an abnormal development of the branchial arches and their corresponding ectoderm-lined branchial clefts. Of these diverse anomalies, second branchial cleft lesions are the most common, accounting for approximately 95% of all branchial arch pathologies. We describe what is to the best of our knowledge the first reported case of an ectopic tooth in a branchial cleft anomaly. The patient was a young girl who had other congenital abnormalities and syndromic features and who was eventually diagnosed with Townes-Brocks syndrome. We describe the clinical presentation, management, pathologic analysis, and postoperative outcomes of this case, and we present a brief review of Townes-Brocks syndrome.

Case report. Johanson-Blizzard syndrome: a report of gender-discordant twins with a novel UBR1 mutation.

Johanson-Blizzard syndrome (JBS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder resulting from loss-of-function mutations in the UBR1 gene. JBS can be easily recognized by its unique clinical presentation (including exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, hypoplasia/aplasia of the alae nasi, congenital scalp defects, sensorineural hearing loss, growth retardation, psychomotor retardation, and anal and genitourinary anomalies). The objective of this study is to report on the first familial case of gender-discordant twins presenting JBS and a novel mutation in the UBR1 gene. We also review literature describing molecularly confirmed cases of JBS. The female twin developed refractory severe diarrhea after the second month of life and died at the age of 3 months. The male twin also developed diarrhea and failure to thrive after the 3 month of life but improved when nutrition support and pancreatic enzyme replacement was started, and he has survived into adolescence. Both patients presented typical clinical features of JBS. A homozygous nonsense mutation (c.3682C>T; p.Q1228X) in UBR1 was confirmed. Severe presentation of JBS usually involves deleterious (nonsense, frameshift, or splice-site) mutations in the UBR1 gene that are thought to completely abolish the expression of a functional protein product, as in this familial case; however, milder presentation of JBS has occasionally been observed with missense mutations in at least 1 of the 2 copies of UBR1, in which there may be residual activity of the product of this gene. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment are crucial for a favorable outcome.

Surco perineal en ginecología infantil: reporte de 2 casos clínicos / Perineal groove in pediatric gynecology: a report of 2 cases

Introduction: the perineal groove is a very uncommon anorectal anomaly. It is the result of an unknown embryology anomaly. The perineal groove is a wet sulcus extending from de fourchette to the anus. It is a benign pathology and tends to resolve spontaneously. Objective: We report two cases of girls diagnosed with perineal groove and their follow up. Cases reports: The first case is an 18 days old baby girl, that during her first clinical examination there was found a painless lineal lesion in the perineum from the fourchette to the anus, which created a big anxiety in her family. She was cared at the Pediatric Gynecology Unit, with local lubrication, doing well with the epithelization of it. The second case is an 8 year-old girl who consulted because, when being a child, she was diagnosed with a perineal lesion, but she didn't receive any special treatment and now she feels some aches in the perineum. Conclusions: The perineal groove is a benign entity pretty unknown by general practitioners or pediatricians. It is important to be up to date with this condition to avoid alarming misinterpretations.

Introducción. El surco perineal es una malformación poco frecuente, de etiología desconocida, consiste en una ranura en la línea media del periné desde la horquilla vulvar al ano, es benigna y tiende a la resolución espontánea. Objetivos: Reportar el diagnóstico y evolución de dos pacientes con surco perineal. Casos clínicos: Caso 1. Recién nacida de 18 días que previo al alta de maternidad se pesquisó una lesión lineal no dolorosa desde la horquilla vulvar al ano, lo que generó gran inquietud en su familia. En Ginecología Infantil se confirmó el diagnóstico, se manejó con lubricación del área genital evolucionando a la epitelización del surco. Caso 2. Niña de 8 años consultó por que en controles de salud se diagnosticó una "fisura" entre la horquilla vulvar y el ano que no fue tratada y presentaba molestias inespecíficas en el periné. Se indicó resección quirúrgica, pero paciente evolucionó satisfactoriamente con lubricación de la zona. Conclusiones. El surco perineal es una entidad benigna que debe ser conocida por médicos de atención ambulatoria debido a la alarma que pueden generar sus diagnósticos diferenciales.

Disruption of the temporally regulated cloaca endodermal ß-catenin signaling causes anorectal malformations.

The cloaca is temporally formed and eventually divided by the urorectal septum (URS) during urogenital and anorectal organ development. Although congenital malformations, such as anorectal malformations (ARMs), are frequently observed during this process, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. ß-Catenin is a critical component of canonical Wnt signaling and is essential for the regulation of cell differentiation and morphogenesis during embryogenesis. The expression of ß-catenin is observed in endodermal epithelia, including URS epithelia. We modulated the ß-catenin gene conditionally in endodermal epithelia by utilizing tamoxifen-inducible Cre driver line (Shh(CreERT2)). Both ß-catenin loss- and gain-of-function (LOF and GOF) mutants displayed abnormal clefts in the perineal region and hypoplastic elongation of the URS. The mutants also displayed reduced cell proliferation in the URS mesenchyme. In addition, the ß-catenin GOF mutants displayed reduced apoptosis and subsequently increased apoptosis in the URS epithelium. This instability possibly resulted in reduced expression levels of differentiation markers, such as keratin 1 and filaggrin, in the perineal epithelia. The expression of bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) genes, such as Bmp4 and Bmp7, was also ectopically induced in the epithelia of the URS in the ß-catenin GOF mutants. The expression of the Msx2 gene and phosphorylated-Smad1/5/8, possible readouts of Bmp signaling, was also increased in the mutants. Moreover, we introduced an additional mutation for a Bmp receptor gene: BmprIA. The Shh(CreERT2/+); ß-catenin(flox(ex3)/+); BmprIA(flox/-) mutants displayed partial restoration of URS elongation compared with the ß-catenin GOF mutants. These results indicate that some ARM phenotypes in the ß-catenin GOF mutants were caused by abnormal Bmp signaling. The current analysis revealed the close relation of endodermal ß-catenin signaling to the ARM phenotypes. These results are considered to shed light on the pathogenic mechanisms of human ARMs.

Mutations in the human UBR1 gene and the associated phenotypic spectrum.

Johanson-Blizzard syndrome (JBS) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, typical facial features, dental anomalies, hypothyroidism, sensorineural hearing loss, scalp defects, urogenital and anorectal anomalies, short stature, and cognitive impairment of variable degree. This syndrome is caused by a defect of the E3 ubiquitin ligase UBR1, which is part of the proteolytic N-end rule pathway. Herein, we review previously reported (n = 29) and a total of 31 novel UBR1 mutations in relation to the associated phenotype in patients from 50 unrelated families. Mutation types include nonsense, frameshift, splice site, missense, and small in-frame deletions consistent with the hypothesis that loss of UBR1 protein function is the molecular basis of JBS. There is an association of missense mutations and small in-frame deletions with milder physical abnormalities and a normal intellectual capacity, thus suggesting that at least some of these may represent hypomorphic UBR1 alleles. The review of clinical data of a large number of molecularly confirmed JBS cases allows us to define minimal clinical criteria for the diagnosis of JBS. For all previously reported and novel UBR1 mutations together with their clinical data, a mutation database has been established at LOVD.

Abnormal neural crest innervation in Sox10-Venus mice with all-trans retinoic acid-induced anorectal malformations.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Despite technical advances in the surgical/medical care of anorectal malformation (ARM), persistent unsatisfactory postoperative bowel habit has been attributed to histopathologic abnormalities of the distal rectum/pouch (DRP) and hypoplasia of anal sphincter muscles (ASM). We used Sox10-Venus mice with ARM induced by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) to investigate neural crest cell (NCC) innervation in the DRP and ASM. METHOD: Pregnant Sox10-Venus mice were administered single doses of 50, 70, or 100 mg/kg of ATRA on embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) then sacrificed on either E16.5 or E19.5. Bowel specimens comprising the anorectum were examined using fluorescence microscopy without immunohistochemical staining (FMIS). Anti-PGP9.5 was used to delineate ganglion cells and anti-SMA for smooth muscles. RESULTS: The appropriate dose of ATRA for inducing ARM was 50 mg/kg. Under FMIS, all ARM embryos (n = 5; all high type; 3 male:2 female) had less NCC innervation with thick Venus-positive nerve fibers in the DRP compared with normal embryos (n = 8); there was abnormal NCC innervation in the DRP and absent ASM in ARM mice. CONCLUSION: We are the first to delineate abnormal enteric nervous system innervation in the DRP of ARM mice without using immunohistochemical staining techniques thus allowing specimens to be examined without any distortion.

Gene network analysis of candidate loci for human anorectal malformations.

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are birth defects that require surgery and carry significant chronic morbidity. Our earlier genome-wide copy number variation (CNV) study had provided a wealth of candidate loci. To find out whether these candidate loci are related to important developmental pathways, we have performed an extensive literature search coupled with the currently available bioinformatics tools. This has allowed us to assign both genic and non-genic CNVs to interrelated pathways known to govern the development of the anorectal region. We have linked 11 candidate genes to the WNT signalling pathway and 17 genes to the cytoskeletal network. Interestingly, candidate genes with similar functions are disrupted by the same type of CNV. The gene network we discovered provides evidence that rare mutations in different interrelated genes may lead to similar phenotypes, accounting for genetic heterogeneity in ARMs. Classification of patients according to the affected pathway and lesion type should eventually improve the diagnosis and the identification of common genes/molecules as therapeutic targets.

Abnormalities in "low" anorectal malformations (ARMs) and functional results resecting the distal 3 cm.

PURPOSE: "Low" anorectal malformations (ARMs) are considered minor anomalies of the distal rectum and anal-canal development. Nonetheless, the prognosis of affected patients is far from excellent, as some degree of constipation is a frequent complaint in the long-term follow-up. Constipation in "low" ARM has been reported in 42%-70% of cases. Vestibular fistulas seem to have the highest rate of constipation (not less than 61.4%). The aim of this study was to evaluate all the histological wall abnormalities of ARM with recto-perineal and recto-vestibular fistulas in order to identify features that could explain the bowel dysfunctions. Moreover, the resection of distal perineal and vestibular fistulas (last 3 cm) allowed evaluating functional results in "low" ARM series with extensive fistula resection. METHODS: One hundred four specimens were collected from 52 patients (32 recto-perineal and 20 recto-vestibular fistulas) during the posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP). The distal 3 cm of aberrant anorectal canals (fistulas) was systematically resected and divided longitudinally. One portion was fixed for immuno-histochemical stainings (PGP 9.5, S-100, NSE), H&E, and tricromic stainings. The frozen sections of the second portion were incubated for enzyme histochemical stainings (AChE, etc.). The follow-up of 42 of 52 ARM was postoperatively evaluated at 3-8 years of age, and the assessment of the outcome after PSARP repair was in line with Krickenbeck's 2005 meeting parameters. RESULTS: Muscle coat was abnormal in all cases (100%), showing aspect and absence of organization into the circular and longitudinal layers. The connective tissue was found to be irregular and abnormally represented in 100% of cases. Abnormal vascularization was detected in 5 cases (9.6%). All vestibular (100%) and 71.8% of perineal fistulas showed different degrees of enteric nervous system (ENS) anomalies. In the series of 42 patients followed up at least after 3 years of age, 40 cases (95.2%) showed postoperative good continence without use of laxatives (according to Krickenbeck's 2005 criteria). CONCLUSION: Every wall component of the distal rectum can be affected by different structural abnormalities in "low" ARMs. Pediatric surgeons should take into consideration the implications of these structural abnormalities during radical treatment. The resection of a significant portion of the distal fistula seems to permit better functional results.

Quantitative assessment of craniofacial morphology in Johanson-Blizzard syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Here we apply objective, reliable methods of dysmorphology diagnosis to a patient with Johanson-Blizzard syndrome (MIM #243800). Using an extensive normative database, we computed standardized scores on a graded continuum for operational definitions of nasal alar hypoplasia, a commonly observed feature of this condition. CASE: Most of these measurements in this case were greater than 2 standard deviations below the mean, adjusted for age, gender, and ethnicity. CONCLUSION: This report provides a worked example of quantitative anthropometric assessment in the context of a case report, using tools that may find general application in clinical genetics.

MRI findings in patients with defecatory dysfunction after surgical correction of anorectal malformation.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative anorectal malformation patients frequently have defecatory dysfunction. MRI may be useful in the management of these patients. OBJECTIVE: To analyze static and dynamic MRI findings in patients with defecatory dysfunction after correction of anorectal malformation (ARM), and compare differences between patients with constipation and fecal incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pelvic MRI studies of 20 constipated and 32 incontinent postoperative ARM patients were analyzed retrospectively to determine the location and morphology of the neorectum, presence of peritoneal fat herniation, presence of scarring, development of the striated muscle complex (SMC) and any other abnormalities. The two groups were then compared using χ(2)-test. Eighteen patients also underwent MRI defecography to evaluate pelvic floor function and abnormalities are reported. RESULTS: The children with incontinence were more likely to have abnormal location of the neorectum (P = 0.031), increased anorectal angle (ARA) (P = 0.031) and peritoneal fat herniation (P = 0.032), and less likely to have dilation of the neorectum (P = 0.027), than the children with constipation. There were no significant differences between the two groups in incidence of focal stenosis of the neorectum (P = 0.797), presence of extensive scarring (P = 0.591) and developmental agenesis of the SMC (P > 0.05). MRI defecography showed 6 anterior rectoceles, 6 cystoceles and 18 pelvic floor descents. CONCLUSIONS: MRI is a helpful imaging modality in postoperative ARM patients with defecatory dysfunction, and it shows distinct differences between the children with constipation and incontinence and provides individualized information to guide further treatment.