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 contrast agent was dynamically imaged in the upright position using a fast gradient echo sequence. Anatomical and functional abnormalities were documented. Results from 40 patients who underwent this technique are reported. The method is proposed as an alternative to conventional fluoroscopic proctography.