Ultrasonic measurement of rectal diameter and area in neurogenic bowel with spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2016 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772314Y.0000000282 · Published: May 1, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Medical Imaging Gastroenterology

Simple Explanation

This study explores using ultrasound to measure rectal size in people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) who have bowel problems. These problems, called neurogenic bowel, can be either upper motor neuron bowel (UMNB) or lower motor neuron bowel (LMNB). The study measured the diameter and area of the rectum before and after bowel movements. The goal was to see if ultrasound measurements could help tell the difference between UMNB and LMNB. The results suggest that ultrasound measurements can be helpful. After a bowel movement, people with UMNB had smaller rectal sizes compared to those with LMNB.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

32 patients with SCI (16 with UMNB, 16 with LMNB)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
After defecation, the UMNB group had significantly smaller rectal diameters and areas compared to the LMNB group.
2
The UMNB group showed a significant reduction in rectal diameter and area after defecation, while the LMNB group did not.
3
Rectal area measurements showed higher specificity and positive predictive value compared to rectal diameter measurements in the UMNB group.

Research Summary

The study investigated the efficacy of using ultrasonography to measure rectal diameter and area as an additional parameter for evaluating neurogenic bowel in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found significant differences in rectal diameter and area before and after defecation between UMNB and LMNB groups, with the UMNB group showing a significant reduction after defecation. The conclusion is that ultrasound measurements of rectal diameter and area may be helpful for classifying neurogenic bowel types and understanding bowel problems in SCI patients.

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Aid

Ultrasound measurement can potentially aid in differentiating between UMNB and LMNB in SCI patients.

Treatment Planning

Understanding the type of neurogenic bowel can help tailor appropriate bowel management strategies.

Non-invasive Assessment

Ultrasound provides a non-invasive method for assessing rectal dimensions, avoiding irradiation and discomfort.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings.
2
The study acknowledges the need for further research with larger patient groups to confirm the diagnostic value of ultrasound.
3
Conus medullaris lesions were excluded.

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