Management of Anorectal Malformation: Experience from Ethiopia

Background: Anorectal malformations are among the most common congenital malformation seen in children. There is paucity of data regarding the incidence and treatment outcome of this disease from Ethiopia. Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients treated for ARM at the TASH from March 2010-February 2014. Relevant statistical analysis was done and the results presented in tables and graphs. Results: Six patients (6%) presented at early neonatal age (before the age of 4 days) and 14 (14%) presented between 4 days and one month. A total of 57 associated congenital malformations were diagnosed in 44/99(44%) patients. The two most common type of ARM diagnosed among the female patients were recto- vestibular fistula which occurred in 39/56 (70%) andperineal fistula accounting for 6/56 (11%). ARM with urethral fistula was the commonest diagnosis among the male patients, making up 10/43 (23%). Post-operative outcome showed that 64 (64%) had a very good functional outcome. Conclusions: The diagnosis of anorectal malformation is late. Nearly half of the patients were found to have associated malformationsKey words: Anorectal malformation, Associated malformations, Postero-sagittal anorectoplast

Unilateral pulmonary vein atresia presenting with recurrent hemoptysis and bronchial varices in an Ethiopian adolescent: a case report

Abstract Background Congenital unilateral pulmonary vein atresia is a rare anomaly resulting from failure of the pulmonary vein to incorporate in the left atrium. It is a very rare cause of recurrent respiratory infections and hemoptysis requiring a high index of suspicion for proper diagnosis and management in early childhood. Case presentation We report a 13-year old Anuac (Ethiopia, Region of Gambela) male adolescent with a delayed diagnosis of isolated atresia of the left pulmonary veins despite early childhood presentation with recurrent chest infections, hemoptysis and exercise intolerance. Contrast enhanced CT of thorax with reconstructed planes confirmed the diagnosis. He underwent pneumonectomy for severe and recurrent symptoms and did well on subsequent follow ups after 6 months of pneumonectomy. Conclusion Although a rare anomaly, congenital unilateral pulmonary vein atresia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a child presenting with recurrent chest infections, exercise intolerance and hemoptysis to facilitate early appropriate diagnosis and treatment