Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 4, 2025
Rodent Model of Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Occlusion of the Superior Mesenteric Artery
Published on: October 20, 2023
MRI for the Detection of Small Bowel Ischemic Injury in Arterial Acute Mesenteric Ischemia: Preclinical Study in a
Lorenzo Garzelli1,2, Eric Felli2,3, Mahdi Al-Taher2
1Université Paris Cité, Paris, France & Department of Radiology, Beaujon Hospital, APHP.Nord, Clichy, France.
Background:
MRI is the reference for the diagnosis of arterial cerebral ischemia, but its role in acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is poorly known.
Purpose:
To assess MRI detection of early ischemic bowel lesions in a porcine model of arterial AMI.
Study Type:
Prospective/cohort.
Animal Model:
Porcine model of arterial AMI obtained by embolization of the superior mesenteric artery (seven pigs).
Field Strength/Sequence:
A 5-T. T1 gradient-echo-weighted-imaging (WI), half-Fourier-acquisition-single-shot-turbo-spin-echo, T2 turbo-spin-echo, true-fast-imaging-with-steady-precession (True-FISP), diffusion-weighted-echo-planar (DWI).
Assessment:
T1-WI, T2-WI, and DWI were performed before and continuously after embolization for 6 hours. The signal intensity (SI) of the ischemic bowel was assessed visually and quantitatively on all sequences. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was assessed.
Statistical Tests:
Paired Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test, significance at P < 0.05.
Results:
One pig died from non-AMI-related causes. The remaining pigs underwent a median 5 h53 (range 1 h24-6 h01) of ischemia. Visually, the ischemic bowel showed signal hyperintensity on DWI-b800 after a median 85 (57-276) minutes compared to the nonischemic bowel. DWI-b800 SI significantly increased after 2 hours (+19%) and the ADC significant decrease within the first hour (-31%). The ischemic bowel was hyperintense on precontrast T1-WI after a median 87 (70-171) minutes with no significant quantitative changes over time (P = 0.46-0.93). The ischemic bowel was hyperintense on T2-WI in three pigs with a significant SI increase on True-FISP after 1 and 2 hours.
Data Conclusion:
Changes in SI and ADC can be seen early after the onset of arterial AMI with DWI. The value of T2-WI appears to be limited.
Evidence Level:
1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
Insights
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) detects early bowel lesions in arterial acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) in pigs. T2-weighted imaging (T2-WI) showed limited value for diagnosing AMI.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for diagnosing cerebral ischemia.
- Its utility in diagnosing acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) remains less understood.
- This study investigates MRI's role in detecting early signs of arterial AMI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of MRI in detecting early ischemic bowel lesions.
- To assess MRI sequences in a porcine model of arterial AMI.
- To establish MRI's diagnostic potential for acute mesenteric ischemia.
Main Methods:
- A porcine model of arterial AMI was created via superior mesenteric artery embolization.
- High-field (5-T) MRI including T1-weighted imaging (WI), T2-WI, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was utilized.
- Signal intensity and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were assessed before and up to 6 hours after embolization.
Main Results:
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) detected signal hyperintensity in ischemic bowel within a median of 85 minutes.
- DWI showed a significant signal increase (+19%) and ADC decrease (-31%) within 2 hours.
- T1-WI showed hyperintensity after a median of 87 minutes, while T2-WI had limited diagnostic value.
Conclusions:
- MRI, particularly DWI, can detect early changes in arterial acute mesenteric ischemia.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and ADC measurements are valuable for early AMI diagnosis.
- T2-weighted imaging (T2-WI) appears to have limited utility in the early detection of arterial AMI.
