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Published on: September 16, 2017
Magnetic resonance imaging of ischemic bowel in rabbit model
A J Kaufman1, R W Tarr, G E Holburn
1Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232.
Abstract:
Acute mesenteric ischemic bowel disease is a common yet complex disorder with high morbidity and mortality rates predominantly caused by delayed diagnosis. We examined the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the early detection of small bowel ischemia using the rabbit model. Surgical ligation of the appropriate arterial vascular supply to the ileum of 10 rabbits produced the ischemic compromise. The animals were imaged at different time intervals after the arterial occlusion. Multislice, T1 and T2-weighted images were obtained in axial and coronal planes. Abnormal findings of the dearterialized segment of bowel were visualized as early as 45 minutes after vascular occlusion. The findings consisted of: (1) bowel wall thickening, (2) two- to three-fold increase in signal intensity from bowel on T2-weighted images, and (3) isointensity or slightly increased signal intensity within the bowel wall on T1-weighted images. MRI appears to be a sensitive, noninvasive technique for the early detection of bowel ischemia in the rabbit animal model.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) aids early detection of bowel ischemia. This noninvasive technique visualized abnormalities in rabbit models within 45 minutes, improving diagnosis of mesenteric ischemic bowel disease.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Acute mesenteric ischemic bowel disease presents diagnostic challenges.
- Delayed diagnosis contributes to high morbidity and mortality rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for early detection of small bowel ischemia.
- To assess MRI findings in a rabbit model of induced ischemia.
Main Methods:
- Surgical ligation of the ileal artery in 10 rabbits induced ischemia.
- Animals underwent multislice, T1, and T2-weighted MRI in axial and coronal planes at various intervals post-occlusion.
Main Results:
- Abnormalities in the ischemic bowel segment were detected as early as 45 minutes after arterial occlusion.
- Key MRI findings included bowel wall thickening, increased T2-weighted signal intensity, and altered T1-weighted signal intensity.
Conclusions:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sensitive, noninvasive method for early detection of bowel ischemia.
- MRI shows promise for timely diagnosis of mesenteric ischemic bowel disease in preclinical models.
