RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Hereditary proctalgia fugax and constipation: report of a second family. JF Gut JO Gut FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Society of Gastroenterology SP 581 OP 584 DO 10.1136/gut.36.4.581 VO 36 IS 4 A1 A F Celik A1 P Katsinelos A1 N W Read A1 M I Khan A1 T C Donnelly YR 1995 UL http://gut.bmj.com/content/36/4/581.abstract AB A second family with hereditary proctalgia fugax and internal anal sphincter hypertrophy associated with constipation is described. Anorectal ultrasonography, manometry, and sensory tests were conducted in two symptomatic and one asymptomatic subjects within the same family and further clinical information was obtained from other family members. The inheritance would correspond to an autosomal dominant condition with incomplete penetration, presenting after the second decade of life. Physiological studies showed deep, ultraslow waves and an absence of internal anal sphincter relaxation on rectal distension in the two most severely affected family members, suggesting the possibility of a neuropathic origin. Both of these patients had an abnormally high blood pressure. After treatment with a sustained release formulation of the calcium antagonist, nifedipine, their blood pressure returned to normal, anal tone was reduced, and the frequency and intensity of anal pain was suppressed. These together improved the quality of the patients' sleep, which had previously been very troubled because of night time attacks of anal pain.