Hirschsprung Disease

This chapter reviews background information about the incidence, risk factors, sex ratio, genetics, family history, recurrence risk, and epidemiology of the various types of isolated and syndromic Hirschsprung disease. Distinctions that characterize long segment, short segment, zonal, total colonic, and total intestinal aganglionosis are reviewed. The discussion on the differential diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease summarizes its common causes, including chromosome anomalies (Down syndrome and recurrent microdeletions), and Mendelian traits associated with isolated disease and syndromic aganglionosis with non-GI malformations. This chapter includes gives recommendations for evaluation and management. A clinical case presentation features an SGA microcephalic infant who failed to pass meconium with Goldberg–Shprintzen syndrome.

Familial Near-Total Intestinal Aganglionosis

Near total aganglionosis represents the most extreme and rare form of Hirschsprung's disease. It can affect more than one member of family. We report three cases of near total intestinal aganglionosis in a family presenting with intestinal obstruction at birth. All of them were operated and a jejunostomy was performed. Outcome was dismal.