Anorectal dysfunction in constipated women with anorexia nervosa

Objective: To evaluate anorectal and colonic function in a group of patient s with anorexia nervosa complaining of chronic constipation. Patients and Methods: Twelve women (age range, 19-29 years) meeting the cri teria for anorexia nervosa and complaining of chronic constipation were rec ruited for the study. A group of 12 healthy women served as controls. Colon ic transit time was measured by a radiopaque marker technique. Anorectal ma nometry and a test of rectal sensation were carried out with use of standar d techniques to measure pelvic floor dysfunction, A subgroup of 8 patients was retested after an adequate refeeding program was completed, Results: Eight (66.7%) of 12 patients with anorexia nervosa had slow coloni c transit times, while 5 (41.7%) had pelvic floor dysfunction. Colonic tran sit time normalized in the 8 patients who completed the 4-week refeeding pr ogram. However, pelvic floor dysfunction did not normalize in these patient s. Conclusions: Patients with anorexia nervosa who Complain of constipation ha ve anorectal motor abnormalities. Delayed colonic transit time is probably due to abnormal eating behavior.