A Practical Guide for the Diagnosis of Primary Enteric Nervous System Disorders

Schaeppi, M. G.; Staiano, A.; Milla, P. J.; Smith, V. V.; Dias, J. A.; Heuschkel, R.; Husby, S.; Mearin, M. L.; Papadopoulou, A.; Ruemmele, F. M.; Vandenplas, Yvan und Koletzko, Sibylle (November 2013): A Practical Guide for the Diagnosis of Primary Enteric Nervous System Disorders. In: Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Bd. 57, Nr. 5: S. 677-686

Abstract

Objective:Primary gastrointestinal neuropathies are a heterogeneous group of enteric nervous system (ENS) disorders that continue to cause difficulties in diagnosis and histological interpretation. Recently, an international working group published guidelines for histological techniques and reporting, along with a classification of gastrointestinal neuromuscular pathology. The aim of this article was to review and summarize the key issues for pediatric gastroenterologists on the diagnostic workup of congenital ENS disorders. In addition, we provide further commentary on the continuing controversies in the field.Results:Although the diagnostic criteria for Hirschsprung disease are well established, those for other forms of dysganglionosis remain ill-defined. Appropriate tissue sampling, handling, and expert interpretation are crucial to maximize diagnostic accuracy and reduce interobserver variability. The absence of validated age-related normal values for neuronal density, along with the lack of correlation between clinical and histological findings, result in significant diagnostic uncertainties while diagnosing quantitative aberrations such as hypoganglionosis or ultrashort Hirschsprung disease. Intestinal neuronal dysplasia remains a histological description of unclear significance.Conclusions:The evaluation of cellular quantitative or qualitative abnormalities of the ENS for clinical diagnosis remains complex. Such analysis should be carried out in laboratories that have the necessary expertise and access to their own validated reference values.

• Dokumententyp: Zeitschriftenartikel
• Publikationsform: Publisher's Version
• Keywords: chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction; gastrointestinal neuropathic disease; Hirschsprung disease; intestinal neuronal dysplasia; rectal suction biopsy
• Fakultät: Medizin
• Themengebiete: 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften > 610 Medizin und Gesundheit
• ISSN: 0277-2116
• Ort: 530 WALNUT ST, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106-3621 USA
• Allianz-/Nationallizenz: Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.
• Sprache: Englisch