Magnetic resonance imaging of anatomic and dynamic defects of the pelvic floor in defecatory disorders

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2003.07235.x
• Publication Date: 2004-03-23T14:20:43Z
• Authors: J.G. Fletcher; R.F. Busse; S.J. Riederer; D. Hough; T. Gluecker; C.M. Harper; A.E. Bharucha
• Keywords: Fecal Incontinence; Defecography; Obstructed defecation; Endoanal ultrasound

Endoanal ultrasound identifies anal sphincter anatomy, and evacuation proctography visualizes pelvic floor motion during simulated defecation. These complementary techniques can evaluate obstructed defecation fecal incontinence. Our aim was to develop a single, nonionizing, minimally invasive modality image global anatomy motion.We studied six patients with incontinence seven The sphincters were imaged an endoanal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coil (five patients). MR fluoroscopy acquired images every 1.4-2 s, using modified real-time, T2-weighted, single-shot, fast-spin echo sequence, recording as squeezed muscles expelled gel; no contrast added other organs. Six also had scintigraphic defecography.Endoanal MRI comparable for defects of the internal external sphincters. Only revealed puborectalis and/or atrophy; four these recorded contraction squeeze relaxation Corresponding comparisons angle change perineal descent not significant; only MRI, but scintigraphy, identified excessive in two patients.Pelvic is promising comprehensive, nonradioactive measure structural functional disturbances defecatory disorders. This method may provide insights into mechanisms normal disordered function health disease.