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Constipation and spina bifida occulta: is there an association?
A C Thorpe1, R E Evans, N S Williams
1Department of Urology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Spina bifida occulta (SBO), a vertebral abnormality, was investigated in women with constipation. This study found no significant association between SBO and constipation in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Spina bifida occulta (SBO) is a vertebral anomaly affecting posterior arch formation, often at S1.
- SBO has been recently linked to urinary voiding dysfunction.
- The relationship between SBO and constipation, particularly in females, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of SBO in female patients experiencing constipation due to outlet obstruction or slow colonic transit.
- To compare the prevalence of SBO and high posterior sacral arc opening in constipated females versus a control group.
Main Methods:
- Plain abdominal radiographs of 52 females with constipation and 48 age-matched controls were analyzed.
- Radiographs were reviewed for the presence of SBO and abnormally high posterior sacral arc opening (S3 and above).
- Statistical analysis, including chi-squared tests, was used to compare incidences between groups.
Main Results:
- The incidence of SBO was 32.6% in patients and 22.9% in controls (P=0.4).
- Abnormally high posterior sacral arc opening occurred in 26.9% of patients and 12.4% of controls (P=0.2).
- No significant difference in SBO incidence was observed between patient subgroups (anismus, slow transit, mixed) and the control group.
Conclusions:
- The study found no significant association between spina bifida occulta and constipation in the investigated female population.
- These findings do not support a link between SBO and constipation, contrary to recent implications regarding voiding problems.