Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Murine Endoscopy for In Vivo Multimodal Imaging of Carcinogenesis and Assessment of Intestinal Wound Healing and Inflammation
Published on: August 26, 2014
Does MRI with oral contrast medium allow single-study depiction of inflammatory bowel disease enteritis and colitis?
Carmel G Cronin1, Derek G Lohan, Ann Michelle Browne
1Department of Radiology, University College Hospital, Galway, Ireland. carmelcronin2000@hotmail.com
Objective:
To assess the feasibility and utility of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the bowel in concurrent small- and large-bowel evaluation for the presence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Methods:
Over a 5-year period, 62 MR examinations performed on 53 patients demonstrated evidence of IBD. Sixteen of these 53 (30.1%) patients had imaging findings of colonic disease and underwent 19 formal MR small bowel examinations. These were further evaluated for bowel distention and image quality. The sensitivity and specificity of the technique compared with colonoscopy as the 'gold standard' was evaluated.
Results:
Simultaneous imaging of the colon is feasible at MR small bowel follow-through with moderate-to-excellent colonic visibility and colon distention obtained when the contrast medium is present in the colon at the time of image acquisition. MR imaging had a sensitivity of 80% (0.56-0.93), specificity of 100% (0.77-1.00), positive predictive value (PPV) of 1 and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.8 for the identification of colitis (based on available concurrent correlation of 38/62 examinations with colonoscopy).
Conclusion:
Small and large bowel MR imaging with orally consumed contrast medium represents a promising, feasible, non-invasive, non-radiating single mode of assessment of the entire gastrointestinal tract, performed at a single sitting.
Insights
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the bowel is a feasible method for simultaneously evaluating small and large bowel inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This non-invasive technique offers good image quality for comprehensive gastrointestinal assessment.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
Background:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) diagnosis often requires separate evaluations of the small and large bowel.
- Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging offers a non-invasive approach to visualize the gastrointestinal tract.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the feasibility and utility of MR imaging for concurrent assessment of both small and large bowel in patients with suspected or known IBD.
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of MR imaging compared to colonoscopy for colitis detection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 62 MR examinations in 53 IBD patients over 5 years.
- Focus on 19 MR small bowel examinations in patients with known colonic disease.
- Assessment of bowel distention, image quality, sensitivity, and specificity against colonoscopy.
Main Results:
- Simultaneous MR imaging of the colon during small bowel examinations is feasible, yielding moderate-to-excellent visibility and distention.
- MR imaging demonstrated 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity for identifying colitis.
- Positive predictive value was 1, and negative predictive value was 0.8.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging of the small and large bowel using oral contrast is a promising, non-invasive, and non-radiating method.
- This single-sitting assessment modality covers the entire gastrointestinal tract.
- It represents a feasible and effective tool for comprehensive IBD evaluation.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations