Colonic manometry and colonic scintigraphy as a diagnostic tool for children with severe constipation

Suzanne M. Mugie*, Maria E. Perez, Rosa Burgers, Elizabeth A. Hingsbergen, Jaya Punati, Hayat Mousa, Marc A. Benninga, Carlo Di Lorenzo

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:: In adults, colonic manometry and colonic scintigraphy are both valuable studies in discriminating normal and abnormal colonic motility. The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic yield and tolerability of colonic manometry and colonic scintigraphy in children with severe constipation. METHODS:: Twenty-six children (mean age 11.4 years, 77% boys) who had received colonic manometry and colonic scintigraphy as part of a colonic motility evaluation were included. Manometry was performed as per department protocol. After swallowing a methacrylate-coated capsule containing indium-111, images were taken at 4, 24, and 48 hours, and geometric centers were calculated. Results of both tests were categorized in 3 groups: normal, abnormal function in the distal part of the colon, and colonic inertia. Cohen κ was used for the level of agreement. Patients and parents completed a questionnaire regarding their experience. RESULTS:: Colonic scintigraphy showed normal transit time in 20%, delay in the distal colon in 48%, and colonic inertia in 32% of patients. Colonic manometry was normal in 40%, abnormal in the distal colon in 40%, and colonic inertia was diagnosed in 20%. The κ score was 0.34. All 5 patients with colonic inertia during manometry had a similar result by scintigraphy. Eighty-eight percent of patients preferred scintigraphy over manometry and 28% of parents preferred colonic manometry over scintigraphy. CONCLUSIONS:: Colonic manometry and colonic scintigraphy have a fair agreement regarding the categorization of constipation. Scintigraphy is well tolerated in pediatric patients and may be a useful tool in the evaluation of children with severe constipation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)598-602
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
Volume57
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • children
  • colonic manometry
  • colonic scintigraphy
  • constipation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Colonic manometry and colonic scintigraphy as a diagnostic tool for children with severe constipation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this