Spinal and Vertebral Anomalies Associated with Anorectal Malformations

Objective

The associations between imperforate anus and spinal and vertebral abnormalities and neurologic deficits are well recognized; these neurologic deficits have been considered static rather than progressive. However, recent experience indicates that some patients may develop progressive neurologic problems due to spinal cord lesions that are amenable to neurosurgical correction.

Materials & Methods

The medical records of 105 patients with imperforate anus, operated on by us, were retrospectively reviewed from 1996 to 2005. Patient's sex, anorectal type lesion and vertebral or spinal anomalies were determined by ultrasound, excretory urography, voiding cystouretherography (VCUG) and lumbosacral x-ray.

Results

A hundred and five cases, consisting 48 (45.7%) boys and 57 (54.3%) girls, with anorectal malformations were studied; 70 patients were in high and intermediate type level, and totally 25 patients (35.7%) with spinal and vertebral anomalies were found in this group.

Conclusion

All patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) should be investigated for spinal and vertebral anomalies to improve treatment outcomes in ARM.