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Patterns of colonic transit in chronic idiopathic constipation
B Krevsky1, A H Maurer, R S Fisher
1Temple University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Colonic transit scintigraphy identified two distinct patterns in chronic idiopathic constipation: normal transit in functional rectosigmoid obstruction and delayed transit in colonic inertia, impacting treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Colorectal Surgery
Background:
- Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) presents with varied colonic transit patterns.
- Previous studies using rectosigmoid motility, manometry, and radiopaque markers suggested distinct transit abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate between colonic inertia and functional rectosigmoid obstruction in CIC patients.
- To utilize colonic transit scintigraphy for evaluating transit patterns.
- To explore potential pathogenetic and therapeutic differences between identified patterns.
Main Methods:
- Colonic transit scintigraphy was performed on 23 constipated patients.
- 111In-diethylenetriaminepentaaceticacid (111In-DTPA) was orally instilled after tube placement to the cecum.
- Abdominal images were acquired over 48 hours using a gamma camera.
- Normal 24-hour geometric center limits differentiated patient groups.
Main Results:
- Functional rectosigmoid obstruction showed essentially normal colonic transit.
- Colonic inertia demonstrated delayed transit in the cecum, ascending colon, hepatic flexure, and transverse colon.
- Two distinct colonic transit patterns were identified.
Conclusions:
- Colonic transit scintigraphy effectively distinguishes between colonic inertia and functional rectosigmoid obstruction.
- These distinct patterns suggest different underlying causes and may necessitate tailored therapeutic approaches for constipation.