Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026
Characterizing Salmonella Typhimurium-induced Septic Peritonitis in Mice
Published on: July 29, 2022
The MRI Sepsis Score: An Innovative Tool for the Evaluation of Septic Peritonitis in Mice Using 7-Tesla Small Animal
Stephan Diedrich1, Julia van der Linde2, Michael Nielson2
1Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germanydiedrich@uni-greifswald.de.
Background:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques are rarely used in the context of abdominal sepsis and in sepsis research. This study investigates the impact of MRI for monitoring septic peritonitis in an animal model (colon ascendens stent-induced peritonitis, CASP). The CASP model closely mimics that of human disease and is highly standardized. The most frequently employed readout parameter in mouse CASP studies is prolonged or decreased rate of survival. Monitoring the progression of peritonitis via MRI could provide a helpful tool in the evaluation of severity. The use of alternative readout systems could very well reduce the number of research animals. Perspectively, clinical improvement after certain treatment could be classified.
Methods:
This study describes for the first time MRI findings following the induction of septic peritonitis in mice using the CASP model. Two sublethal groups of mice with septic peritonitis were investigated. Each had received one of two differing stent diameters in order to control the leakage of feces into the abdominal cavity. Each mouse served as its own control. Imaging and analyses were performed blinded. Gut diameters, stomach volume, abdominal organ wall diameters, and volume of the adrenal glands were measured. Serum corticosterone levels were detected using ELISA. Serum IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10 levels were screened by cytometric bead array. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test for nonparametric probes and the Kruskal-Wallis and t tests.
Results:
Using a 7-tesla MRI scanner 24 and 48 h after induction of septic peritonitis, interenteric fluid, organ swelling of spleen and adrenal glands, as well as dilatation of the stomach were compared to nonseptic conditions. Swelling of adrenal glands resulted in an increased serum corticosterone level. In addition, the wall of the intestine bowel was thickened. Based upon these findings, an MRI score (MRI sepsis score, MSS) for abdominal sepsis in mice was established. Reduced stent sizes led to reduced severity of the abdominal sepsis, which could be reproduced in the MSS, which is described here for the first time.
Conclusions:
Intraabdominal variations during septic peritonitis are detectable by MRI techniques. MRI methods should become a more important tool for the evaluation of abdominal peritonitis. MSS could provide an interesting tool for the evaluation of therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can monitor abdominal sepsis in mice. This study developed an MRI sepsis score (MSS) to evaluate disease severity and therapeutic strategies, potentially reducing animal use.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Sepsis Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is underutilized in abdominal sepsis research.
- The colon ascendens stent-induced peritonitis (CASP) model in mice closely mimics human disease.
- Current CASP studies primarily rely on survival rates, necessitating alternative monitoring methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of MRI for monitoring septic peritonitis in a standardized mouse model.
- To explore MRI's potential to reduce the number of research animals by providing alternative readout parameters.
- To establish a novel MRI-based scoring system for abdominal sepsis severity.
Main Methods:
- Septic peritonitis was induced in mice using the CASP model with varying stent sizes.
- MRI scans were performed at 24 and 48 hours post-induction to assess interenteric fluid, organ swelling, and stomach volume.
- Serum corticosterone, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10 levels were measured.
- An MRI sepsis score (MSS) was developed based on observed imaging findings.
Main Results:
- MRI detected intraabdominal fluid, spleen and adrenal gland swelling, and stomach dilatation in septic mice.
- Adrenal gland swelling correlated with increased serum corticosterone levels.
- Intestinal wall thickening was observed, and the developed MSS reflected reduced sepsis severity with smaller stent sizes.
Conclusions:
- MRI techniques can effectively detect intraabdominal changes associated with septic peritonitis.
- MRI should be more widely adopted for evaluating abdominal peritonitis.
- The MRI sepsis score (MSS) shows promise as a tool for assessing therapeutic interventions in abdominal sepsis.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:06Introduction to z Scores
z scores...
01:05Introduction to z Scores
z scores...
01:17z Scores and Area Under the Curve
01:25Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications