Anal ultraslow waves and high anal pressure in childhood: a clinical condition mimicking Hirschsprung disease.

Purpose: Anal ultraslow waves (USWs) have been described in several clinical conditions closely related to chronic constipation associated with high anal pressure; however, USW-related clinical manifestations in childhood are poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the clinical relevance of USWs in childhood.

Methods: Manometric recordings of 118 cases including 70 children with constipation and 16 patients with Hirschsprung disease were analyzed.