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Experimental study of artificially induced intramuscular gossypiboma in rabbits: correlation of sequential MRI
Ju Hyun Park1, Wook Jin, Kyung Nam Ryu
1Department of Radiology, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, Korea.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sequential MRI findings of intramuscular gossypiboma and to correlate them with the pathologic findings in rabbits.
Materials And Methods:
Sterile gauze was packed in the hamstring muscles of 12 rabbits, and sequential MR images were obtained 1, 2, and 4 weeks and 2, 6, and 12 months after gauze insertion. Two rabbits were sacrificed at each time point. Their pathologic findings were compared with the MRI findings on each date.
Results:
At the acute stage, the gossypibomas appeared as areas of heterogeneous low signal intensity on T2-weighted MR images with inflammatory change around the gossypiboma. In the subacute stage, the gossypibomas appeared as areas of peripheral low and central high signal intensity with wavy stripes of low signal intensity on T2-weighted images. On contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted images, the peripheral enhancement of the masses advanced toward the center of the mass as the fibrocollagenization between the gauze bundles progressed centrally. In the chronic stage, on contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted images, central advancement of the peripheral enhancement occurred according to the maturation of the fibrocollagenization. Calcifications around individual gauze fibers were observed 6-12 months after gauze insertion.
Conclusion:
On sequential contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted images of rabbits, intramuscular gossypiboma exhibited a chronologic centripetal enhancement pattern for 1 year mainly owing to concentric progression of fibrocollagenization between gauze bundles toward the center of the mass.
Insights
Sequential MRI in rabbits reveals gossypiboma (retained surgical gauze) shows a distinct centripetal enhancement pattern over one year. This imaging finding correlates with the progressive fibrocollagenization of the gauze material.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Veterinary Pathology
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Gossypiboma, a foreign body granuloma, can occur after surgery.
- Accurate imaging is crucial for diagnosing retained surgical materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate sequential Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings of intramuscular gossypiboma in a rabbit model.
- To correlate MRI observations with pathological findings over time.
Main Methods:
- Sterile gauze was implanted into rabbit hamstring muscles.
- Sequential MRI scans were performed at multiple time points up to 12 months.
- Pathological examination of sacrificed rabbits was compared with MRI findings.
Main Results:
- Acute stage: Heterogeneous low T2 signal with surrounding inflammation.
- Subacute/Chronic stages: Peripheral to central enhancement on contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted images, reflecting fibrocollagenization.
- Calcifications observed around gauze fibers at 6-12 months.
Conclusions:
- Intramuscular gossypiboma demonstrates a characteristic chronologic centripetal enhancement pattern on sequential contrast-enhanced MRI in rabbits.
- This enhancement pattern is primarily attributed to the progressive fibrocollagenization of the gauze material.
