Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease by quantitative biochemical assay of acetylcholinesterase in rectal tissue.

Acetylcholinesterase activity was measured in rectal-biopsy specimens obtained from nineteen children. Seven children in whom the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease was established were found to have a significantly higher enzyme activity than the twelve in whom this diagnosis was excluded. The estimation may prove to be of value in the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease.