MR Imaging Features of Intestinal Phytobezoar

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Intestinal phytobezoars are rare obstructions.
• Understanding their imaging features is crucial for diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Magnetic Resonance (MR) features of intestinal phytobezoar.
• To elucidate the imaging mechanism of intestinal phytobezoar.
• To enhance the understanding of intestinal phytobezoar.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 18 intestinal phytobezoar cases.
• MR examinations were performed on all cases.
• MR features were analyzed in conjunction with intraoperative findings.

Main Results:

• All 18 cases exhibited an irregular shape and low signal on T2-weighted images (the "coke sign").
• On T1-weighted images, 12 cases showed the "empty shell sign" (internal low signal, peripheral high signal).
• Other T1-weighted findings included mixed slightly higher signal (4 cases) and slightly low signal (2 cases).

Conclusions:

• Intestinal phytobezoar characteristically presents the "coke sign" on T2-weighted MR images.
• Complicated signal patterns, often the "empty shell sign", are observed on T1-weighted images.
• Accurate MR diagnosis of intestinal phytobezoar is valuable for guiding treatment strategies.