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Updated: May 4, 2026
A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
Published on: March 5, 2018
Early MRI findings of small bowel obstruction: an experimental study in rats
Daniela Berritto1, Francesca Iacobellis, Maria Paola Belfiore
1Radiology Department, Seconda Università di Napoli, Piazza Miraglia 2, 80138, Naples, Italy.
Purpose:
This study was undertaken to identify the early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of small bowel obstruction (SBO) and to analyse their evolution over time comparing them with histological findings.
Materials And Methods:
SBO was surgically induced in 10 rats divided into two groups monitored at predetermined time points until the 8th hour: group 1, macroscopically observed and group 2, investigated with 7-Tesla micro-MRI (7 T μ-MR). At the end of observation, the bowel was excised for histological analysis.
Results:
7 T μ-MRI T2-w sequences acquired 15 min after SBO, showed early evidence of bowel wall hyperintensity and a small amount of peritoneal free fluid. At 1 h, a hyperintensity of the loop proximal to the obstruction was found and, after 4 h, free fluid between the loops, bowel wall thickening and increased wall hyperintensity were also found. After 6 h hypotonic reflex ileus (only gas-filled dilated loops) was detected, which became paralytic ileus (dilation with air-fluid levels) after 8 h. The MRI findings were all confirmed at histological examination.
Conclusions:
This study allows definition of the early MRI features of SBO (peritoneal free fluid and hyperintensity of the injured bowel) and their chronological evolution, also confirmed by histological examination. Our data suggest a potential role of MR imaging in the early diagnostic assessment and management of patients with SBO. The chance to achieve an early detection of bowel injury and to correlate the histological pattern with imaging findings could contribute to a finer and earlier diagnosis and a more effective treatment.
Insights
Early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect small bowel obstruction (SBO) features like bowel wall changes and fluid. These MRI findings correlate with histological results, suggesting MRI
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Radiology
- Gastrointestinal Imaging
- Small Animal Research
Background:
- Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common surgical emergency.
- Early diagnosis of SBO is crucial for effective management.
- Non-invasive imaging modalities are essential for SBO assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a rat model of SBO.
- To analyze the temporal evolution of these MRI findings.
- To compare MRI observations with histological results.
Main Methods:
- Surgical induction of SBO in 10 rats.
- Monitoring using 7-Tesla micro-MRI (7 T μ-MR) at various time points up to 8 hours.
- Macroscopic observation of a control group.
- Histological analysis of excised bowel tissue.
Main Results:
- Early MRI (15 min) revealed bowel wall hyperintensity and free peritoneal fluid.
- Progressive changes included proximal loop hyperintensity, increased fluid, bowel wall thickening, and wall hyperintensity by 4 hours.
- Hypotonic and paralytic ileus were identified by 6 and 8 hours, respectively.
- All MRI findings were histologically confirmed.
Conclusions:
- Early MRI features of SBO include peritoneal free fluid and injured bowel hyperintensity.
- The chronological evolution of these MRI findings is demonstrated.
- MRI shows potential for early SBO diagnosis and management by correlating imaging with histological patterns.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
01:07Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology