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Published on: April 27, 2014
Intravesical Gadoxetic acid enhanced MRI for evaluation of urinary bladder rupture in a mouse model
Sung Yoon Park1,2, Hunnyun Kim3, Honsoul Kim4,5
1Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Life Building (B, 7th floor) 115 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06355, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Retrograde intra-vesical plain film or CT cystography may not be feasible for patients with hypersensitivity towards iodinated contrast agents. This study evaluates whether retrograde gadoxetic acid-enhanced pelvic and liver MRI can detect intraperitoneal bladder rupture in a mouse model. Pelvic and liver MRI were obtained using a 7T micro-MRI scanner in 8-to-10-week-old female ICR mice (n = 28) before and after surgically induced bladder rupture. An angio-catheter was inserted into the urethra for intra-vesical injection of gadoxetic acid (0.3 mmol/kg) during MRI. Intraperitoneal contrast leakage and liver enhancement were assessed using T1 weighted images. Regions of interest were drawn on the liver and muscle (used as an internal reference) to measure signal intensity, which was then used to calculate the relative enhancement ratio and quantify the degree of liver enhancement. A paired t-test was used for statistical analysis. Intraperitoneal contrast leakage and liver enhancement were detected in all mice after bladder rupture. Some liver enhancement occurred in baseline mice but was significantly stronger under bladder rupture conditions at 30 min (P < 0.001) and 75 min (P < 0.001) post-enhancement MRI. MRI with intra-vesical gadoxetic acid injection enables detection of intraperitoneal bladder rupture by visualizing contrast leakage or selective liver enhancement. Retrograde MR cystography may serve as an iodine-free alternative to conventional retrograde cystography.
Insights
Retrograde magnetic resonance (MR) cystography using gadoxetic acid can detect intraperitoneal bladder rupture in mice. This iodine-free imaging technique offers a potential alternative for patients with contrast agent hypersensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Urology
Background:
- Conventional retrograde cystography using iodinated contrast agents poses challenges for patients with hypersensitivity.
- There is a need for iodine-free imaging alternatives for diagnosing bladder rupture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of retrograde gadoxetic acid-enhanced pelvic and liver MRI in detecting intraperitoneal bladder rupture.
- To assess MR cystography as an iodine-free alternative for diagnosing bladder rupture.
Main Methods:
- Pelvic and liver MRI were performed on a 7T micro-MRI scanner in female ICR mice (n=28) before and after surgically induced bladder rupture.
- Intra-vesical gadoxetic acid was administered via urethral catheter during MRI.
- Contrast leakage and liver enhancement were quantified using T1-weighted images and signal intensity measurements.
Main Results:
- Intraperitoneal contrast leakage and liver enhancement were detected in all mice post-bladder rupture.
- Liver enhancement was significantly stronger in mice with bladder rupture compared to baseline mice at 30 and 75 minutes post-enhancement (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Retrograde MR cystography with intra-vesical gadoxetic acid effectively detects intraperitoneal bladder rupture by visualizing contrast leakage and liver enhancement.
- This technique shows promise as an iodine-free alternative to conventional retrograde cystography.

