Myospasm of internal anal sphincter in children
Wang, F.; Yang, Y.; Yu, M.
Chinese Medical Journal 111(7): 671-672
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0366-6999 PMID: 11245061 Document Number: 496373
To introduce a common but not well-recognized acute abdominal disease in children. Thirty-eight children with spasm of the internal anal sphincter were reviewed. The main symptom was the sudden onset of continuous pain in the lower abdomen with paroxysmal exacerbation. The typical sign was the dilation of the sigmoid colon with tenderness aggravated by pressure. Plain X-ray films showed dilation of the sigmoid colon and rectum. The symptoms could be relieved by digital rectal examination or a glycerin suppository. It is the temporary achalasia of the internal anal sphincter that causes acute abdominal pain.