Clinical pediatrics
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The recto-sigmoid index on barium enema may aid in the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease. However, data on its reliability in different age groups are sparse. The recto-sigmoid index and transitional zone were evaluated blindly in 107 patients with diagnostic rectal suction biopsies. ⋯ Their negative predictive values reached clinical significance in infants and children but not in neonates. Their positive predictive values were not significant in any age group. The recto-sigmoid index identified 4 patients with recto-sigmoid Hirschsprung's disease whose diagnosis was missed by evaluating the transitional zone alone.