Hirschsprung Disease
Intestinal aganglionosis (Hirschsprung disease) has an incidence of one in 5,000 live births. It is being recognized with greater frequency during the neonatal period when it must be distinguished from other causes of intestinal obstruction. The diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease is most often considered in the infant or child with chronic constipation since birth. A history of delayed passage of meconium may be obtained, and the infant may have no spontaneous evacuation of feces without stimulation. Less commonly, intractable diarrhea secondary to enterocolitis may be the finding.
Clinical features suggestive of Hirschsprung disease include increased anal sphincter tone and empty rectum despite the presence of fecal impaction.
