MR-defecography in obstructed defecation: a simplified technique and classification system

ABSTRACT. MR defecography has been proven an excellent imaging modality for the assessment of evacuation dysfunctions. In our institution MRI-defecography is performed with a standard imaging protocol consisting of static axial, coronal and sagittal T2-W fast recovery fast spin-echo (FRFSE) pulse sequence followed by dynamic sagittal T1-W fast spoiled gradient-echo (FSPGR) sequence after rectal contrast administration (US gel mixed with gadopentetate dimeglumine). The high level of agreement between evacuation proctography (EP) and MR-defecography combined with the additional value of axial and coronal scan planes suggests the latter as the method of choice for identification and classification of obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS)