Low muscle volume of the anal sphincter complex:A novel prognostic factor in children with anorectal malformations?

MRI-based volumetric analysis of the anal sphincter complex in 76 infants demonstrates that children with anorectal malformations have significantly reduced muscle volume compared to controls, with the lowest volumes observed in cases with unfavorable prognosis for continence. This feasibility study establishes weight-dependent reference data and suggests ASC volume may serve as a novel prognostic marker for functional outcomes in ARM patients.