Journal of Postgraduate Medicine Medknow Publications and Staff Society of Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India ISSN: 0022-3859 EISSN: 0972-2823 Vol. 52, Num. 2, 2006, pp. 139-139

Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, Vol. 52, No. 2, April-June, 2006, pp. 139

Images In Radiology

Rectal ears

Saxena AkshayKumar, Choudhary S

Department of Radio Diagnosis, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research Sector-12, Chandigarh -160012
Correspondence Address:Department of Radio Diagnosis, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research Sector-12, Chandigarh -160012, fatakshay@yahoo.com

Code Number: jp06042

A three month old female child with history of constipation since birth was referred to our department for evaluation for suspected Hirschsprung′s disease. During the contrast enema study, transient protrusions of both lateral walls (arrows) were noted synchronous with contraction of levator ani muscles [Figure - 1]. These features are suggestive of rectal "ears" and are similar to more familiar bladder "ears" noted during micturating cystourethrography.

The upper third of rectum is covered by peritoneum anteriorly and on both lateral aspects while the middle third has is covered by peritoneum only anteriorly. The lower third of rectum is extraperitoneal. It is postulated that variant peritoneal reflections around the rectum can allow more mobility than normal.[1] This allows the contracting levator ani muscles to pull rectum far anteriorly with transient herniation into the deep inguinal ring.

From a clinical view point, rectal "ears" are of no significance. Care should be taken not to mistake them for diverticulae.

References

Copyright 2006 - Journal of Postgraduate Medicine

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