Anorectal malformation and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in the diagnosis of anorectal malformations.

Material and methods: In 24 months, 5 patients aged 13 days-22 months were assessed by means of 6 colosonographies (colostograms or contrast-enhanced ultrasound enemas) as a result of suspected rectourethral fistula (3 boys) or rectovestibular fistula (2 girls). An ultrasound device with a dedicated software for contrast visualization, a multifrequency probe, and second-generation ultrasound contrast were employed. The results were confirmed using contrast-enhanced radiology in 4 patients, colostograms in 3 patients, and enema in 1 patient. There were no side effects.

Results: In 5 colosonographies, the fistulous tracts were visualized and located, and in 1, no fistula was observed. The rectal pouch/sacrum-coccyx relationship was assessed, and no presacral mass was detected. In 1 boy, the coccyx was absent. 2 patients had urological malformations.

Conclusions: Colosonography allows anorectal malformations and fistula presence, location, and tract to be assessed in real time, without ionizing radiation or side effects.