Prevalence and Clinical Associations of Fibromyalgia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Patients with Normal Colonoscopy Findings

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) related findings in patients with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms despite normal colonoscopy and to examine the relationship between these conditionsMethods: One hundred fourteen patients who had undergone colonoscopy between January 2022 and December 2024 with normal results were screened. Forty-six individuals who agreed to participate in the study were evaluated at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic between February and April 2025. The FMS assessment was performed using the 2016 ACR revised criteria and the Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (FIRST) questionnaire. Findings related to IBS were evaluated according to Rome IV criteria.Results: The mean age was 60.6±14.7 years, and 69.9% were female. The rate of those meeting IBS criteria was determined to be 39.1%, while the rate of those meeting FMS criteria was determined to be 36.9%. Only 6.5% had a prior IBS diagnosis, while none had been diagnosed with FMS. Patients meeting the Rome IV criteria were found to have significantly higher Widespread Pain İndex, Symptom Severity Scale, Fibromyalgia Severity Score (p=0.005; p=0.011; p=0.006).Conclusion: Findings indicate that even if colonoscopy results are normal, features consistent with FMS and IBS may be observed with significant frequency in patients whose symptoms persist. When organic pathology is excluded, it is important to consider these functionally related conditions in the differential diagnosis. When necessary, a multidisciplinary approach can contribute to a more comprehensive assessment of patients.