Use of Ultrasonography in Clarifying the Etiology of Anal Pain

INTRODUCTION: Anal pain is defined as pain originating from the anal canal or the perianal area that can be attributed to a variety of medical problems. The current study’s aim was to evaluate the role of combined endoanal, transperineal, and in married women, transvaginal ultrasound in clarifying the etiology of anal pain among our patient study group. METHODOLOGY: A total of 180 patients presented to our radiology department complaining of anal pain and were examined using transperineal, endoanal, and in women, transvaginal ultrasound aided with three-dimensional capability. The final diagnosis was reached, according to the surgical results and the histopathology reports in cases diagnosed with anorectal neoplasms and perianal masses. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were diagnosed with perianal fistulas. Twenty-five cases presented with anal abscesses. In four cases, pilonidal sinus extended to the perianal spaces. Three cases had hiradenitis suppurativa, 13 cases showed occult anal sphincter defects, two cases had anorectal neoplasms, and one case was diagnosed with soft tissue ependymoma overlying the coccyx. Three cases were diagnosed with perianal soft tissue masses. One case was detected with recto vaginal fistulas, 10 cases showed thick internal anal sphincter, two cases had perianal cysts, and one case had perianal hematoma. Two cases showed hemorrhage in Douglas’ pouch, and one case had pelvic collection sequelae of perforated pelvic appendicitis. Three cases had pelvic endometriosis; one case was detected with missed contraceptive device in the rectum. Three cases were diagnosed with prostatitis and two cases with prostatic abscesses. Two cases had prostatic carcinoma and one case had prostatic sarcoma. CONCLUSION: The combined approaches of endoanal, transperineal, and in women, transvaginal ultrasound aided with three-dimensional capability proved highly valuable in clarifying the etiology of anal pain in our study group.