Rectal atresia as distinguished from rectal agenesis

Abstract

A rare specimen of rectal atresia associated with multiple atresias of the small and large bowel and with other congenital anomalies is described in detail. It is considered that this is a specimen of rectal atresia not rectal agenesis on the grounds of the presence of the internal sphincter, the epithelium of the terminal bowel, and the normal structure of the external anal sphincter. The presence of a fibrous cord linking the rectum with the anal canal suggests a similar etiology to that of the atresia of the small bowel. On the evidence of experimental production of bowel atresias by vascular occlusion it is postulated that the atresias in this specimen may have been caused by intravascular thrombosis possibly the result of intrauterine infection. It is estimated from consideration of all the congenital abnormalities found in this specimen that the causative factor acted between the 65 mm. and the 112 mm. stages of development.