Imaging Classification of Constipation

OBJECTIVES: The diagnosis of patients with chronic constipation is very complicated. This study aimed to develop a simple imaging classification for the diagnosis of chronic constipation by abdominal computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Sixty-two patients who underwent abdominal CT in our hospital between January and June 2022 were enrolled. The CT values of the stool in the rectum and cecum were measured in patients with chronic constipation (C group) and in those without (non-C group). RESULTS: A strong correlation was observed between the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) and the CT value of rectal stool. Furthermore, the rectal stool CT value was significantly higher in patients with chronic constipation than in those without. The CT value of cecal stool did not differ between the two groups. The cecal stool CT value was significantly higher in patients with severe constipation (BSFS 1) than in those with BSFS 2-6. A cutoff CT value of 100 was selected as the optimal value for indicating chronic constipation. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal CT was useful in the diagnosis of chronic constipation. If the patient had constipation, the optimal cutoff CT value was 100.