Hirschsprung's disease

Alternative names:

congenital megacolon

Symptoms:

• failure to pass meconium shortly after birth
• failure to pass a first stool within 24 to 48 hours after birth
• constipation
• abdominal distention
• vomiting
• watery diarrhea (in the newborn)
• poor weight gain
• slow growth (child 0-5 years)
• malabsorption

Signs and tests:

A physical examination shows distended abdomen with loops of bowel that are detectable by touch (palpable). A rectal examination may also be performed.

Tests used in the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease include:

• abdominal X-ray, showing distention of colon with gas and feces
• barium enema
• rectal biopsy, showing absence of ganglion nerve cells