Gastrointestinal Pathology · Pathology

Which of the following describes 'Hirschsprung disease'?

  1. Congenital absence of ganglion cells in both enteric plexuses
  2. Congenital hypertrophy of the pyloric smooth muscle sphincter
  3. Herniation of the colonic mucosa through the muscularis propria
  4. Ischemic infarction of the small bowel due to volvulus
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Correct answer: Congenital absence of ganglion cells in both enteric plexuses

Hirschsprung disease results from a failure of neural crest cell migration. This creates an aganglionic segment of the colon that cannot relax, resulting in functional obstruction and proximal megacolon.

Difficulty: Medium Question 5 of 20

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