Treatment of proctalgia fugax with botulinum A toxin

Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2001 Nov;13(11):1371-3. doi: 10.1097/00042737-200111000-00017.

Abstract

Two recent studies described a temporal association between a high-amplitude and high-frequency myoelectrical activity of the anal sphincter and the occurrence of proctalgia, which suggest that paroxysmal hyperkinesis of the anus may cause proctalgia fugax. We describe a single case of proctalgia fugax responding to anal sphincter injection of Clostridium botulinum type A toxin. The presumed aetiology of proctalgia fugax is discussed and the possible mechanism of action of botulinum toxin (BTX) in this condition is outlined. Botulinum A toxin seems to be a promising treatment for patients with proctalgia fugax, and further trials appear to be worthwhile for this condition, which has been described as incurable.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / administration & dosage
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuromuscular Agents / administration & dosage
  • Neuromuscular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Pain / drug therapy*
  • Rectal Diseases / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A