[Analysis of experience in the use of dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of obstructive defaecation syndrome].

INTRODUCTION

The aetiological diagnosis of obstructive defaecation syndrome (ODS) requires, among others, imaging tests. The purpose of this study is to descriptively analyse and compare the findings of dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (DPMRI) with the clinical examinations in patients with ODS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective comparative study was made between the physical examination and the DPMRI, with a descriptive analysis of the results. A total of 30 patients were included (2 males and 28 females), with a median age of 60 (range 23-76) years, with symptoms of ODS. An anamnesis and detailed physical examination and a DPMRI were performed on all of them. Functional (anismus) and morphological changes (rectocele, enterocele, intussusception, etc.), were analysed.

RESULTS

The physical examination did not detect anomalies in 6 (20%) patients. A rectocele was diagnosed in 21 (70%) of the cases, and 2 (6.7%) a rectal mucosal prolapse. The DPMRI showed evidence of pelvic floor laxity in 22 (73.3%) cases, an enterocele in 4 (13.3%), a sigmoidocele in 2 (6.7%), intussusception in 8 (26.7%), rectal mucosal prolapse in 4 (13.3%), anismus in 3 (10%), and a cystocele in 4 (13.3%). The rectocele was the most frequent diagnosis, being given in 26 (86.6%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnetic resonance imaging provides an overall pelvic assessment with good definition of the tissues, and does not use ionising radiation, is well tolerated, and provides us with complementary information to arrive at the diagnosis, and establish the best treatment for ODS. Larger studies comparing videodefaecography (VD), currently considered the Gold Standard technique, are needed to be able to demonstrate whether it is superior or not to DPMRI.