The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Tobias Erlöv, MSc, PhD. Photo.

Tobias Erlöv

Researcher

Tobias Erlöv, MSc, PhD. Photo.

Histopathological dimensions differ between aganglionic and ganglionic bowel wall in children with Hirschsprung’s disease

Author

  • Christina Graneli
  • Sofia Patarroyo
  • Rodrigo Munoz Mitev
  • David Gisselsson
  • Emilia Gottberg
  • Tobias Erlöv
  • Tomas Jansson
  • Kristine Hagelsteen
  • Magnus Cinthio
  • Pernilla Stenström

Summary, in English

Background: In the validation of new imaging technology for children with Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR), basic anatomical parameters of the bowel wall must be established specifically for this patient group. Aim: To explore differences in histoanatomical layers of bowel wall, comparing ganglionic and aganglionic bowel walls, and to examine if the bowel wall thickness is linked to patient weight. Methods: This was an observational study of bowel specimens from children weighing 0–10 kg, operated on consecutively during 2018–2020. Ganglionic and aganglionic bowel walls were measured in digitalized microscopy images from 10 sites per trans-sectional specimen and compared regarding the thickness of their histoanatomical layers. Results: Bowel walls were measured in 21 children. Full bowel wall thickness did not differ between aganglionic and ganglionic bowel (2.20 vs 2.04; p = 0.802) while weight at surgery correlated positively with both ganglionic and aganglionic bowel wall thickness (r = 0.688 and 0.849, respectively), and age at surgery with ganglionic bowel wall thickness (r = 0.517). In aganglionic segments, the muscularis externa layer was thicker compared to that in ganglionosis (0.45 vs 0.31 mm, p = 0.012) whereas the muscularis interna was thinner (0.45 vs 0.62 mm, p < 0.001). A diagnostic index was identified whereby a lower ratio of muscularis interna/externa thickness followed by a thinner muscularis interna differed between aganglionic and ganglionic bowel in all specimens. Conclusion: Thicknesses of the bowel wall’s muscle layers differ between aganglionic and ganglionic bowel walls in children with HSCR. These findings support a diagnostic index that could be validated for transfer to instant diagnostic imaging techniques.

Department/s

  • Pediatric surgery
  • LTH Profile Area: Photon Science and Technology
  • LTH Profile Area: Engineering Health
  • Department of Biomedical Engineering

Publishing year

2022-12

Language

English

Publication/Series

BMC Pediatrics

Volume

22

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

BioMed Central (BMC)

Topic

  • Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Keywords

  • Aganglionosis
  • Bowel wall
  • Children
  • Ganglionosis
  • Hirchsprung’s disease
  • Histopathology

Status

Published

Research group

  • Pediatric surgery

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1471-2431