Endosonography of the anal sphincter: findings in healthy volunteers. 1991

M B Nielsen, and J F Pedersen, and C Hauge, and O O Rasmussen, and J Christiansen
Department of Radiology and Ultrasound, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup Hospital, Denmark.

Knowledge of the normal sonographic features of the anal canal is essential for the detection of anal carcinomas, anal sphincteric defects, or other anal abnormalities with endosonography. The anal sphincters consist of the circular smooth muscle fibers of the internal sphincter and the circular striated muscle fibers of the external sphincter together with the sling-shaped puborectalis muscle. Anal endosonography was performed in 14 healthy women with normal anophysiologic examinations. The procedure was performed during electromyographic registration in five. A radial 7-MHz probe and a multiplane 7-MHz probe were used, and transverse and longitudinal images were obtained. On transverse images, the internal anal sphincter was visualized as a circular hypoechoic band, which on longitudinal images was seen in continuity with the muscularis layer of the rectal wall. The external anal sphincter was seen as a thicker circular echogenic band just outside the internal sphincter. The puborectalis muscle sling, which is the medial part of the levator and muscle, was visualized in the upper anal canal and had the same echogenic appearance as the external sphincter. Our experience in volunteers provides information about the normal sonographic features of the anal canal as depicted on anal endosonography with high-frequency probes. The results suggest the procedure may be a useful diagnostic tool in detecting pathologic conditions in the anal canal.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D009130 Muscle, Smooth Unstriated and unstriped muscle, one of the muscles of the internal organs, blood vessels, hair follicles, etc. Contractile elements are elongated, usually spindle-shaped cells with centrally located nuclei. Smooth muscle fibers are bound together into sheets or bundles by reticular fibers and frequently elastic nets are also abundant. (From Stedman, 25th ed) Muscle, Involuntary,Smooth Muscle,Involuntary Muscle,Involuntary Muscles,Muscles, Involuntary,Muscles, Smooth,Smooth Muscles
D009132 Muscles Contractile tissue that produces movement in animals. Muscle Tissue,Muscle,Muscle Tissues,Tissue, Muscle,Tissues, Muscle
D012016 Reference Values The range or frequency distribution of a measurement in a population (of organisms, organs or things) that has not been selected for the presence of disease or abnormality. Normal Range,Normal Values,Reference Ranges,Normal Ranges,Normal Value,Range, Normal,Range, Reference,Ranges, Normal,Ranges, Reference,Reference Range,Reference Value,Value, Normal,Value, Reference,Values, Normal,Values, Reference
D004576 Electromyography Recording of the changes in electric potential of muscle by means of surface or needle electrodes. Electromyogram,Surface Electromyography,Electromyograms,Electromyographies,Electromyographies, Surface,Electromyography, Surface,Surface Electromyographies
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D001003 Anal Canal The terminal segment of the LARGE INTESTINE, beginning from the ampulla of the RECTUM and ending at the anus. Anal Gland, Human,Anal Sphincter,Anus,Anal Gland,Anal Glands, Human,Detrusor External Sphincter,External Anal Sphincter,Internal Anal Sphincter,Anal Sphincter, External,Anal Sphincter, Internal,Anal Sphincters,Detrusor External Sphincters,External Anal Sphincters,Human Anal Gland,Human Anal Glands,Internal Anal Sphincters,Sphincter, Anal,Sphincter, Detrusor External,Sphincter, External Anal,Sphincter, Internal Anal,Sphincters, Anal
D014463 Ultrasonography The visualization of deep structures of the body by recording the reflections or echoes of ultrasonic pulses directed into the tissues. Use of ultrasound for imaging or diagnostic purposes employs frequencies ranging from 1.6 to 10 megahertz. Echography,Echotomography,Echotomography, Computer,Sonography, Medical,Tomography, Ultrasonic,Ultrasonic Diagnosis,Ultrasonic Imaging,Ultrasonographic Imaging,Computer Echotomography,Diagnosis, Ultrasonic,Diagnostic Ultrasound,Ultrasonic Tomography,Ultrasound Imaging,Diagnoses, Ultrasonic,Diagnostic Ultrasounds,Imaging, Ultrasonic,Imaging, Ultrasonographic,Imaging, Ultrasound,Imagings, Ultrasonographic,Imagings, Ultrasound,Medical Sonography,Ultrasonic Diagnoses,Ultrasonographic Imagings,Ultrasound, Diagnostic,Ultrasounds, Diagnostic

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