Hirschsprung's Disease — MCQs
A male infant presented with distension of abdomen shortly after birth with delayed passage of meconium. Subsequently a full-thickness biopsy of the rectum was performed. The rectal biopsy is likely to show:
Hirschsprung disease is confirmed by ?
A newborn baby presented with a failure to pass meconium in the immediate postnatal period. The pediatrician also notices visible yet ineffective peristalsis, and abdominal distention. A radiological contrast enema demonstrated a narrow conical segment and a dilated proximal bowel. A diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease was made. Which of the following is a cause of the condition in the patient?
All are true about Hirschsprung disease Except
What are the primary criteria for considering operative treatment in Hirschsprung's disease?
Which of the following statements about Hirschsprung disease is incorrect?
Biopsy in Hirschsprung's disease can be taken from which level?
What is the cause of hydrocele in infants?
What is the surgical procedure for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis of infancy?
Hypochloremia, hypokalemia, and alkalosis are typically seen in which of the following conditions?
Hirschsprung's Disease Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: A male infant presented with distension of abdomen shortly after birth with delayed passage of meconium. Subsequently a full-thickness biopsy of the rectum was performed. The rectal biopsy is likely to show:
- A. Lack of ganglion cells (Correct Answer)
- B. Fibrosis of submucosa
- C. Thickened muscularis propria
- D. Hyalinization of the muscular coat
Explanation: ***Lack of ganglion cells*** - The clinical presentation of **abdominal distension** and **delayed meconium passage** in a neonate is highly suggestive of **Hirschsprung disease** [1]. - **Hirschsprung disease** is characterized by the **absence of ganglion cells** in the myenteric (Auerbach's) and submucosal (Meissner's) plexuses of the distal bowel, starting from the anus and extending proximally to varying degrees [1], [2]. *Fibrosis of submucosa* - While some chronic inflammatory conditions can lead to submucosal fibrosis, it is **not the primary histopathological feature** of Hirschsprung disease. - Submucosal fibrosis is more typically seen in conditions like **Crohn's disease** or chronic infectious colitis. *Thickened muscularis propria* - A **thickened muscularis propria** can be an indirect finding in Hirschsprung disease, occurring as a result of **hypertrophy** of the muscle layers proximal to the aganglionic segment, due to increased effort to propel stool past the obstructed area. - However, the **primary diagnostic feature** on biopsy is the absence of ganglion cells, not muscle thickening, which is a secondary change [2]. *Hyalinization of the muscular coat* - **Hyalinization** refers to a glassy, eosinophilic appearance of tissue, often due to protein accumulation or degeneration. - This is **not a characteristic finding** in Hirschsprung disease and is typically associated with conditions like vascular injury or aging changes. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. (Basic Pathology) introduces the student to key general principles of pathology, both as a medical science and as a clinical activity with a vital role in patient care. Part 2 (Disease Mechanisms) provides fundamental knowledge about the cellular and molecular processes involved in diseases, providing the rationale for their treatment. Part 3 (Systematic Pathology) deals in detail with specific diseases, with emphasis on the clinically important aspects., pp. 94-95. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Gastrointestinal Tract, p. 759.
Question 2: Hirschsprung disease is confirmed by ?
- A. Rectal biopsy (Correct Answer)
- B. Per/Rectal examination
- C. Rectal manometry
- D. X-ray abdomen
Explanation: ***Rectal biopsy*** - A **rectal biopsy** is the most definitive diagnostic test for Hirschsprung disease, revealing the absence of **ganglion cells** in the submucosal and myenteric plexuses. - This procedure involves taking a small tissue sample from the rectum, which is then examined under a microscope for characteristic histological changes. *Per/Rectal examination* - A **per/rectal examination** may reveal an empty rectum followed by a gush of stool and gas upon withdrawal of the finger, which is suggestive but not diagnostic. - It is a **clinical finding** that prompts further investigation but does not provide histological confirmation of aganglionosis. *Rectal manometry* - **Rectal manometry** measures pressures within the rectum and can detect the absence of the **rectoanal inhibitory reflex** (RAIR), a hallmark of Hirschsprung disease. - While highly sensitive, it is a **physiological test** indicating functional abnormalities, but it does not provide the definitive histological diagnosis of aganglionosis. *X-ray abdomen* - An **X-ray of the abdomen** may show dilated loops of bowel proximal to a narrowed, aganglionic segment, indicating intestinal obstruction. - This imaging study is useful for **initial assessment** and identifying signs of obstruction, but it is not specific for Hirschsprung disease and cannot confirm the absence of ganglion cells.
Question 3: A newborn baby presented with a failure to pass meconium in the immediate postnatal period. The pediatrician also notices visible yet ineffective peristalsis, and abdominal distention. A radiological contrast enema demonstrated a narrow conical segment and a dilated proximal bowel. A diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease was made. Which of the following is a cause of the condition in the patient?
- A. Persistence of embryonic structures in the bowel wall
- B. Congenital obstruction due to external factors
- C. Failure of migration of neural crest cells (Correct Answer)
- D. Abnormal peristalsis due to neural dysfunction
Explanation: ***Failure of migration of neural crest cells*** - Hirschsprung disease is characterized by the **absence of ganglion cells** (specifically **Auerbach's and Meissner's plexuses**) in the distal bowel. - This aganglionosis results from the **failure of neural crest cells to migrate** completely into the intestinal wall during embryonic development. *Persistence of embryonic structures in the bowel wall* - This mechanism is associated with conditions like **Meckel's diverticulum**, where a remnant of the **vitelline duct** persists. - It does not explain the absence of ganglion cells or the functional obstruction seen in Hirschsprung disease. *Congenital obstruction due to external factors* - This would involve conditions such as an **annular pancreas**, **bands**, or **malrotation with volvulus**, creating a physical barrier. - Hirschsprung disease is a **functional obstruction** due to neuromuscular dysfunction, not an external compression or blockage. *Abnormal peristalsis due to neural dysfunction* - While there is abnormal peristalsis, the underlying cause is not just **"neural dysfunction"** in a general sense, but specifically the **absence of entire ganglion cell plexuses** within the bowel wall. - This option is too broad and doesn't pinpoint the precise developmental defect.
Question 4: All are true about Hirschsprung disease Except
- A. Absence of ganglion cells within the affected segment
- B. The rectum is never affected (Correct Answer)
- C. Dilation proximal to the affected segment.
- D. Hirschsprung disease typically presents with a failure to pass meconium in the immediate postnatal period.
Explanation: ***The rectum is never affected*** - Hirschsprung disease always involves the **rectum** and extends proximally for a variable distance. - The aganglionic segment uniformly includes the **distal rectum**. *Absence of ganglion cells within the affected segment* - The primary defect in Hirschsprung disease is the **absence of ganglion cells** (Meissner and Auerbach plexuses) in the affected intestinal segment. - This **aganglionosis** leads to a functional obstruction. *Dilation proximal to the affected segment* - Due to the functional obstruction from the aganglionic segment, the normal bowel **proximal** to it becomes dilated and hypertrophied. - This dilation occurs as the bowel tries to overcome the obstruction. *Hirschsprung disease typically presents with a failure to pass meconium in the immediate postnatal period* - A classic presentation of Hirschsprung disease is the failure to pass **meconium** within the first 24-48 hours of life. - This symptom is due to the lack of peristalsis in the aganglionic segment.
Question 5: What are the primary criteria for considering operative treatment in Hirschsprung's disease?
- A. Has failed to respond to conservative treatment (Correct Answer)
- B. Is 2 years of age
- C. Has no distension of abdomen
- D. Is at least 8 kg in weight and thriving
Explanation: ***Has failed to respond to conservative treatment*** - Children with **Hirschsprung's disease** who do not respond to initial **conservative management**, such as bowel irrigation and laxatives, require surgical intervention to remove the aganglionic segment. - **Persistent symptoms** like severe constipation, abdominal distension, and failure to thrive despite medical therapy indicate the need for operative treatment. *Is 2 years of age* - Age itself is **not a primary criterion** for deciding operative treatment in Hirschsprung's disease; the decision is based on clinical presentation and response to treatment. - While many cases are diagnosed and treated surgically in infancy, some present later, and the timing of surgery depends on symptom severity and the child's overall condition. *Has no distension of abdomen* - The presence of **abdominal distension** is a common symptom in Hirschsprung's disease, and its absence would suggest **less severe disease** or effective conservative management, rather than an indication for surgery. - If a child has no distension, it implies that obstruction is not significant or is being managed, making operative intervention less urgent. *Is at least 8 kg in weight and thriving* - Being **at least 8 kg in weight and thriving** generally indicates a child is in good health and a suitable candidate for surgery, but these are **preconditions for safe surgery** rather than the primary criteria for deciding *if* surgery is needed. - The decision to operate is driven by the failure of conservative treatment and the persistence of disease-related symptoms, not solely by the child's weight or general thriving status.
Question 6: Which of the following statements about Hirschsprung disease is incorrect?
- A. The non-peristaltic affected segment is dilated (Correct Answer)
- B. Absence of ganglion cells in the involved segment
- C. Mainly presents in infancy
- D. Swenson, Duhamel, and Soave are surgical procedures for this condition
Explanation: ***The non-peristaltic affected segment is dilated*** - In Hirschsprung disease, the **aganglionic segment** is typically **constricted** and **narrow**, not dilated, due to continuous contraction without relaxation. - The healthy colon proximal to the affected segment becomes dilated due to the obstruction caused by the constricted, aganglionic segment. *Absence of Ganglion cells in the involved segment* - This statement is **correct**. Hirschsprung disease is fundamentally characterized by the **absence of intramural ganglion cells** (Meissner and Auerbach plexuses) in a segment of the distal colon. - This aganglionosis results in a failure of relaxation and normal peristalsis in the affected bowel segment. *Swenson, Duhamel, and Soave are surgical procedures for this condition* - This statement is **correct**. These are the classic and most common **pull-through surgical procedures** used to treat Hirschsprung disease. - They involve resecting the aganglionic segment and pulling the normal, ganglionated bowel down to the anus. *Mainly presents in infancy* - This statement is **correct**. Hirschsprung disease is primarily a **congenital condition** and is typically diagnosed in newborns and infants. - Common presenting symptoms include **failure to pass meconium** within the first 24-48 hours of life, abdominal distension, and bilious vomiting.
Question 7: Biopsy in Hirschsprung's disease can be taken from which level?
- A. 4 cm below dentate line
- B. 6 cm below dentate line
- C. At the level of dentate line
- D. 2-3 cm above the dentate line (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***2-3 cm above the dentate line*** - This is the **standard recommended site** for rectal suction biopsy in suspected Hirschsprung's disease - At this level, the biopsy reliably samples the **aganglionic segment** in most cases while avoiding the physiologically hypoganglionated zone near the dentate line - Adequate depth to examine both **submucosal and myenteric plexuses** for absence of ganglion cells - High diagnostic accuracy with minimal risk of false negatives *4 cm below dentate line* - This is **anatomically incorrect** - you cannot biopsy "below" the dentate line as this would be perianal skin, not rectal mucosa - The dentate line marks the junction between the anal canal and perianal region - This option represents an impossible biopsy location *6 cm below dentate line* - Similarly **anatomically impossible** - there is no bowel tissue 6 cm below the dentate line - This would be well outside the anal canal in the perianal skin - Not a valid biopsy site for Hirschsprung's diagnosis *At the level of dentate line* - This location is **too low** and within the physiologically hypoganglionated zone - The dentate line area normally has sparse ganglion cells even in healthy individuals - Biopsies at this level have **high false-positive rates** (may appear aganglionic when disease is not present) - Risk of sampling the internal anal sphincter, causing complications
Question 8: What is the cause of hydrocele in infants?
- A. Patent processus vaginalis (Correct Answer)
- B. Patent gubernaculum
- C. Impaired lymphatic drainage
- D. Epididymal cyst
Explanation: **Explanation:** The development of a hydrocele in infants is primarily a developmental anatomical issue rather than an acquired pathology. **1. Why Patent Processus Vaginalis (PPV) is correct:** During fetal development, the **processus vaginalis** is a peritoneal diverticulum that precedes the descent of the testis into the scrotum. Normally, the stalk of this process obliterates shortly before or after birth. If the processus remains **patent**, peritoneal fluid can track down and accumulate around the testis within the tunica vaginalis, resulting in a **communicating hydrocele**. This is the most common cause in the pediatric age group and is embryologically identical to the mechanism of an indirect inguinal hernia (the difference being the size of the opening). **2. Why other options are incorrect:** * **Patent gubernaculum:** The gubernaculum is a mesenchymal structure that guides testicular descent; it does not form a lumen or sac that could hold fluid. * **Impaired lymphatic drainage:** This is a common cause of **secondary (acquired) hydroceles** in adults (e.g., due to filariasis or post-surgical scarring), but it is not the primary mechanism in infants. * **Epididymal cyst:** This is a discrete, fluid-filled collection arising from the efferent ductules of the epididymis, usually presenting as a separate paratesticular mass rather than generalized scrotal swelling. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Management:** Most congenital hydroceles resolve spontaneously by **1–2 years of age** as the PPV closes. Surgery (High Ligation) is indicated if it persists beyond age 2 or if a clinical hernia is present. * **Physical Exam:** Hydroceles are characterized by **transillumination** and the inability to "get above the swelling" (if communicating). * **Key Difference:** In a hydrocele, the fluid is in the *tunica vaginalis*; in a hernia, *bowel/omentum* is in the *processus vaginalis*.
Question 9: What is the surgical procedure for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis of infancy?
- A. Ramstedt's operation (Correct Answer)
- B. Truncal vagotomy
- C. Heller's operation
- D. Delorme's operation
Explanation: **Explanation:** **Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (HPS)** is characterized by the hypertrophy of the circular muscle fibers of the pylorus, leading to gastric outlet obstruction. 1. **Why Ramstedt’s Operation is Correct:** The definitive surgical treatment for HPS is **Ramstedt’s pyloromyotomy**. In this procedure, a longitudinal incision is made through the hypertrophied serosa and muscularis layers down to the submucosa. The muscle is then spread until the bulging intact mucosa is seen. This relieves the obstruction without entering the lumen of the stomach. 2. **Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Truncal Vagotomy:** Used in the surgical management of peptic ulcer disease to reduce acid secretion; it has no role in pediatric pyloric obstruction. * **Heller’s Operation:** Specifically, Heller’s Cardiomyotomy is the surgical treatment for **Achalasia Cardia**, involving the division of muscle fibers at the lower esophageal sphincter. * **Delorme’s Operation:** A mucosal proctectomy used for the treatment of **rectal prolapse**. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Classic Presentation:** A 3–6 week-old male infant with **non-bilious, projectile vomiting** and a palpable "olive-shaped" mass in the epigastrium. * **Metabolic Abnormality:** Hypochloremic, hypokalemic, metabolic alkalosis with **paradoxical aciduria** (crucial for exams). * **Diagnosis:** Ultrasound is the investigation of choice (Pyloric thickness >4mm, length >14mm). * **Management Priority:** HPS is a **medical emergency, not a surgical one.** The priority is correcting dehydration and electrolyte imbalances before proceeding to Ramstedt’s operation.
Question 10: Hypochloremia, hypokalemia, and alkalosis are typically seen in which of the following conditions?
- A. Congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (Correct Answer)
- B. Hirschsprung's disease
- C. Esophageal atresia
- D. Jejunal atresia
Explanation: ### Explanation The metabolic hallmark of **Congenital Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (CHPS)** is **Hypochloremic, Hypokalemic, Metabolic Alkalosis with Paradoxical Aciduria.** **1. Why Option A is Correct:** The pathophysiology is driven by persistent, non-bilious projectile vomiting. * **Hypochloremia & Alkalosis:** Vomitus contains high amounts of Gastric HCl. Loss of $H^+$ ions leads to metabolic alkalosis, while loss of $Cl^-$ ions leads to hypochloremia. * **Hypokalemia:** As the body tries to compensate for alkalosis, the kidneys exchange $K^+$ for $H^+$ to preserve serum pH. Furthermore, dehydration triggers the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS); aldosterone causes $Na^+$ reabsorption at the expense of $K^+$ and $H^+$ excretion. * **Paradoxical Aciduria:** In severe dehydration, the kidney prioritizes volume expansion ($Na^+$ saving) over pH balance. It excretes $H^+$ ions instead of $Na^+$, leading to acidic urine despite systemic alkalosis. **2. Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Hirschsprung’s Disease:** Presents with distal bowel obstruction and failure to pass meconium. If vomiting occurs, it is usually bilious and late-onset, typically causing dehydration rather than this specific electrolyte pattern. * **Esophageal Atresia:** Presents with drooling and choking on first feed. Since gastric acid production is not "lost" via vomiting (as the obstruction is proximal to the stomach), this specific alkalosis does not develop. * **Jejunal Atresia:** Presents with **bilious vomiting**. Because the obstruction is distal to the ampulla of Vater, the vomitus contains alkaline bile and pancreatic juices, often leading to a neutral pH or metabolic acidosis. **3. High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Age of Presentation:** Typically 3–6 weeks of life. * **Physical Exam:** Palpable "olive-shaped" mass in the epigastrium and visible gastric peristalsis. * **Diagnosis:** Ultrasound is the gold standard (Pyloric muscle thickness >4mm, length >14mm). * **Management:** CHPS is a **medical emergency, not a surgical one.** Correct electrolytes and dehydration first. The definitive surgery is **Ramstedt’s Pyloromyotomy.**
Want unlimited practice?
Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.
Start For Free