Progress in diagnostic imaging of anal inflammatory diseases

Abstract

The authors present issues related to the diagnosis of the most common inflammatory diseases of the anus. They deal with anal fistulas and abscesses in a special way. They present various diagnostic methods: from basic proctological examination to instrumental methods. They asses the usefulness, disadvantages and limitations of individual methods. The highest assessment of the presented diagnostic methods was obtained by two tests, i.e. magnetic resonance imaging and endosonographic examination in the 3D option, supported by the use of the render mode option or hydrogen peroxide as a contrast agent. In a sense, both examinations are comparable when it comes to inflammatory diseases of the anus. For endosonographic examination, the advantage is low cost, repeatability and availability. The disadvantage of magnetic resonance imaging is the high price of the test, the low availability and possible claustrophobia of the patient or the presence of metal implants. However, the undeniable advantage of magnetic resonance imaging is the ability to assess anal fistulas or abscesses located high above the levator muscles. In the assessment of deeply located lesions, the advantage of magnetic resonance results from the shorter focus of the endosonographic probe. The high frequency of the probe gives good image quality, but it is paid for the shorter penetration of the ultrasound rays. The use of the render mode or contrast – hydrogen peroxide option puts the endosonographic examination in a one row with magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of the most frequent occurring fistulas and abscesses. Considering lower costs, repeatability of the endosonographic examination it is a valuable modern instrument in the diagnosis of inflammatory lesions of the anus.