Defecography in multiple sclerosis patients with severe constipation.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate defecography in assessment of anorectal function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have intractable constipation.


METHODS
Eleven patients with MS and constipation (10 women, one man) underwent defecography. A total of 130 mL of barium, liquid (20 mL) and paste, was introduced into the rectum. A dab of barium marked the external anal orifice, and, in the women, a tampon soaked with contrast medium marked the vagina. Video radiographic images and supplemental 100-mm static camera images were obtained.


RESULTS
During defecation, six patients had no puborectalis muscle effacement, four patients had partial effacement, and one patient had complete effacement. No rectal emptying occurred in five patients, and emptying was incomplete in the rest. Three patients developed an intussusception, and two developed a posterolateral pouch.


CONCLUSIONS
Defecography readily demonstrates rectal outlet obstruction and the failure of the puborectalis and anal sphincter muscles to relax. These are frequent findings in MS patients with intractable constipation.
Gill
K P
KP
Radiology Department, Central Middlesex Hospital, London, England.
Chia
Y W
YW
Henry
M M
MM
Shorvon
P J
PJ
D001003:Anal Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D003248:Constipation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003672:Defecation / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D011859:Radiography
D001466:Barium Sulfate