The role of 360° ultrasound in anal incontinence

Véronique Barois, CT Scanner Lomas Altas, Mexico City, Mexico

Fecal incontinence (FI) is a condition that affects 5-15% of the population with important medical and psychosocial implications. A 360º endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) is an accurate method with a sensitivity and specificity that ranges from 83 to 100%. A precise diagnosis of the different causes that lead to FI can be established and warrants the planning of correct treatment. This review intends to describe the study method of EAUS, the ultrasonographic anatomy, and the most common sphincter lesions. This is illustrated with multiple examples of EAUS with their respective schemes to describe and show the normality of the anal sphincter by ultrasound.

Keywords: Fecal incontinence. Endoanal ultrasound. Internal anal sphincter. External anal sphincter. Sphincter lesions.