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The MRI colonic function test: Reproducibility of the Macrogol stimulus challenge
Victoria Wilkinson-Smith1,2, Alex Menys3, Christopher Bradley2,4
1Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|July 18, 2020
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of colonic function shows moderate to good reproducibility for assessing severe constipation. This MRI test is suitable for studying gastrointestinal disorders, though more data is needed to establish normal ranges.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
- Physiology
Background:
- Severe constipation mechanisms can be assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the colon.
- MRI measures of colonic function require evaluation for clinical implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the intrasubject reproducibility of MRI measures of colonic function.
- To assess the suitability of MRI for diagnosing severe constipation.
Main Methods:
- Healthy participants underwent two MRI sessions with a macrogol challenge drink.
- Colonic volume, water content, content mixing, and wall movement were measured.
- Coefficients of variation and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated.
Main Results:
- All measured parameters increased post-macrogol challenge.
- Colonic volume, water content, and mixing showed good reproducibility (ICC > 0.79).
- Colonic wall movement showed moderate reproducibility (ICC 0.65–0.76).
Conclusions:
- MRI assessment of the colonic response to macrogol is reproducible and suitable for studying GI disorders like constipation.
- Further research is needed to define normal ranges for patient comparison.
