Investigating the Feasibility of Upright 0.5T MR Defaecating Proctography: initial results reveal potential for clinical assessments.

Motivation: Pelvic floor assessments using X-ray proctography involve ionising radiation and only image the posterior compartment. Conventional supine-MR defaecography lacks in sensitivity as it fails to replicate the physiological position of defaecation. Upright-MR avoids ionising radiation and allows defaecography in sitting position whilst visualising all pelvic compartments. Goal(s): To image defaecation using upright scanner with optimised acquisition and assess its feasibility for clinical defaecography. Approach: Upright scanner with purpose-built commode coil and optimised HASTE acquisition were used to capture pelvic floor changes during defaecation in sitting position. Results: Structural and functional images were satisfactory for qualitative and quantitative clinical assessments−performed by two experienced Radiologists. Impact: Our upright 0.5T scanner with purpose-built RF commode coil and optimised HASTE acquisition will enable Radiologists to identify anatomical and functional abnormalities in pelvic floor disorders. The technique shows potential to be a compatible alternative to X-ray Proctography.