Gastrointestinal Pathology: Large Intestine: Hirschsprung's Disease of the Rectum

A 1972 autopsy specimen from a 4 month old boy, constipated since birth, who did not pass meconium until a rectal examination performed on the fourth day. Abdominal x-ray confirmed colonic dilatation with absence of gas in the rectum on inversion. A barium enema confirmed constriction at the recto-sigmoid junction with proximal dilatation. Hirschsprung's disease was diagnosed. The infant died of pseudomonas meningitis before a right transverse colostomy could be performed.