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.

Scientific Reports
|September 29, 2025
PubMed

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.