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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffSacral dimples are present at birth and are evident during an infant's initial physical exam.
In most cases, further testing is unnecessary. However, if the dimple is very large or is accompanied by swelling, discoloration, drainage or tenderness, your infant may undergo imaging tests to rule out a more serious condition. These tests may include:
- Ultrasound. Also called sonography, ultrasound is a noninvasive procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures of the body.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This technique uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of the body.
- Pilonidal abscess. In: Roberts JR, et al. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/194013725-4/980519736/2083/321.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3623-4..00037-7--s0155_1831. Accessed April 8, 2010.
- Burgess BE, et al. Anorectal disorders. In: Tintinalli JE, et al. Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2004. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=592877. Accessed April 8, 2010.
- Spina bifida occulta. Spina Bifida Association. http://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/site/c.liKWL7PLLrF/b.2700275/k.5F64/Spina_Bifida_Occulta.htm. Accessed April 8, 2010.
- Klein MD, et al. Surgical conditions of the anus, rectum and colon. In: Kliegman RM. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/194013725-3/980516594/1608/827.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50343-1--cesec26_6853. Accessed April 8, 2010.
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