Benign Structural and Functional Abnormalities of the Colon

Abstract

Most of the congenital structural abnormalities of the colon such as imperforate anus, Hirschsprung’s disease, or malrotation manifest themselves in neonatal period or early infancy and are treated in adequate time. But some of them seclude themselves and affect patients in their adolescence or adult period. The diagnosis of these congenital abnormalities with late manifestation is not easy as conventional axial imaging techniques cannot reflect their functional defect. Therefore, old-fashioned or cutting-edge version of fluoroscopic examination is used for a dynamic study. Repeated medication, chronic stress, or an event of a lifetime such as childbirth or surgery can weaken the colorectum and cause functional or structural abnormalities. Careful taking of symptom and medical history and proper imaging studies can lead clinicians and radiologists to a correct diagnosis. Besides, malignancy can cause structural abnormalities such as intussusception, and radiologists should pay great attention when they see findings unusual for the adults.