title: [Importance of the tridimensional ultrasound in the anorectal evaluation].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Anorectal endosonography is actually the main image exam to evaluate some anorectal diseases.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To show the three-dimensional endosonography importance in the anal canal anatomic evaluation and the anorectal diseases diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy four anorectal ultrasound were performed, 23 normal individuals (13 women) and 51 patients (33 women) with benign and malignant diseases. All the patients were examined with a 3-D equipment with 360 degrees transducer. Normal individuals were evaluated in midline sagittal plane concerning to the length of the anal canal, the internal anal sphincter, the external anal sphincter and the anatomic defect in the anterior quadrant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no differences in the anal canal and the internal anal sphincter length between men and women. Otherwise, the external anal sphincter length is longer in men and the anatomic defect is longer in women. In those with anorectal diseases, 11 sphincter injuries, 8 anal fistulas, 7 abscess, 1 perirectal endometriosis, 1 pre-sacral cyst, 3 anal canal and 10 rectal malignant neoplasias were diagnosed. The surgical findings confirmed the ultrasound diagnosis in all the patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Three-dimensional endosonography demonstrated the anatomic differences between male and female anal canal, justifying the larger incidence of pelvic floor disorders in female patients. It was possible to diagnose the anorectal diseases, in multi-plane, with high spatial resolution, adding also important informations about the therapeutic decision. Such characteristics become it similar to nuclear magnetic resonance with intra-rectal coil, with the advantages to be easier, quicker, low cost and better tolerated.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Coloproctologia e Gastroenterologia, Hospital São Carlos, Fortaleza, CE. smregadas@hospitalsaocarlos.com.br
authors.forename: Sthela Maria Murad
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Regadas
authors.forename: Francisco Sergio P
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Regadas
authors.forename: Lusmar Veras
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: Flavio Roberto
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Doryane Maria dos Reis
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Lima
authors.forename: Francisco Sergio Pinheiro
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Regadas-Filho
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D019160:Endosonography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012007:Rectum / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012737:Sex Factors