Splenic flexure and irritable colon syndromes: conjugate conditions

Abstract

Aim. To investigate phenotypical and clinical characteristics in individuals with high fixation of the splenic angle (HFSA). Material and methods. The study group included 82 patients with HFSA, the comparison group - 76 patients with irritable colon syndrome (ICS), control group - 19 patients without colon pathology. The results of the following examinations were analysed: the disease history, detailed intestinal investigation, rectal sensitivity, constitution, connective tissue weakness, vegetative dysfunction and regulation. Results. HFSA is encountered maily in persons with hyperstenic constitution. Some HFSA patients have pain on the left side - splenic flexure syndrome (SFS). The pain corresponds most to clinical criteria of irritable colon syndrome diagnosis and is accompanied with reduced threshold of pain sensitivity to ballon extension. Provoking factors of the symptoms are stress situations in childhood. Conclusion. SFS can be considered as a variant of ICS arising in HFSA. The treatment should be based on the principles of ICS treatment.

Keywords

• irritable colon syndrome
• high fixation of the splenic angle
• splenic flexure