Background. Hypertrophy of the internal anal sphincter may be apparent in s
ome children, but its significance has not yet been determined.
Objectives. To assess anal endosonographic findings in children with chroni
c constipation.
Materials and methods. We performed anal endosonography in 46 children with
chronic constipation and compared the results with values considered norma
l.
Results. We did not find a significant relationship between age and thickne
ss of the internal or external anal sphincters, The clinical response to me
dical management did not differ between patients with or without sphincter
hypertrophy.
Conclusions. Although we did not find a significant correlation between sph
incter hypertrophy and constipation or age, further studies may clarify its
place amongst other techniques which are used in the investigation of anor
ectal pathology.