[Hypogangliosis of the sigmoid colon: possibilities of sonographic diagnosis].

This case report concerns a 53-year old woman suffering from recurrent spastic pain and a painful "resistance" in the left lower bowel for the last 30 years. Earlier clinical investigations including endoscopy and laparoscopy did not yield any results. In a recent investigation, only sonography showed wall thickening and an echo-poor wall pattern of the sigmoid colon indicating this to be the site of painful resistance. Resection of the sigmoid colon was performed. Histologically a slight hypogangliosis of the colon and muscular hypertrophy were detected (as the only pathological signs). The patient was free from symptoms since operation. This case report proves that ultrasound may yield pointers (or confirm the diagnosis) in unclear abdominal diseases.