Upright dynamic MR defaecating proctography in an open configuration MR system

We describe our experience evaluating an MR proctography technique using an open 0.5 T MR system. Evacuation of a gadolinium-containing rectal contras t agent was dynamically imaged in the upright position using a fast gradien t echo sequence. Anatomical and functional abnormalities were documented. R esults from 40 patients who underwent this technique an reported. The metho d is proposed as an alternative to conventional fluoroscopic proctography.