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Published on: November 27, 2016
Assessment of colonic transit time using MRI: a feasibility study
Sonja Buhmann1, Chlodwig Kirchhoff, Roland Ladurner
1Department of Clinical Radiology, Campus Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany. sonja.buhmann@med.uni-muenchen.de
This pilot study shows Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can quantify colonic transit time non-invasively. This method offers a radiation-free alternative for assessing gastrointestinal motility.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
Background:
- Accurate assessment of colonic transit time is crucial for diagnosing gastrointestinal motility disorders.
- Current methods may involve radiation exposure or be less precise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel, non-invasive MRI technique for quantifying colonic transit time.
- To assess the feasibility of using gadolinium-saline solution-filled capsules for this purpose.
Main Methods:
- Healthy volunteers ingested gadolinium-saline solution-filled capsules after a standardized diet.
- Coronal Flash T1 and True Fisp MRI sequences were acquired over 60 hours.
- Capsule location was analyzed by two independent experts to determine transit time.
Main Results:
- A phantom study determined the optimal Gd-DTPA/saline 0.9% solution ratio for contrast.
- Mean colonic transit time was 41±9 hours in women and 31±10 hours in men.
- MRI demonstrated adequate assessment of colonic transit time.
Conclusions:
- MRI is a suitable, non-invasive method for assessing colonic transit time.
- Advantages include no radiation exposure, short examination times, and dynamic evaluation capabilities.
- This technique shows promise for clinical routine adoption.
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