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Bowel-related abscesses: MR demonstration preliminary results
R C Semelka1, G John, N L Kelekis
1Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7510, USA.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
|November 14, 1998
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging effectively visualizes bowel-related abscesses. Gadolinium-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted and T2-weighted sequences reveal abscess walls and surrounding tissue enhancement, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Bowel-related abscesses are complex intra-abdominal infections.
- Accurate imaging is crucial for diagnosis and management.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging offers detailed soft-tissue contrast.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the MR imaging appearance of bowel-related abscesses.
- To evaluate the utility of specific MR sequences for abscess visualization.
Main Methods:
- MR examinations were performed at 1.5T on 16 patients with confirmed bowel-related abscesses.
- Included T1-weighted fat-suppressed sequences pre- and post-gadolinium contrast.
- T2-weighted turbo (fast) spin echo sequences were also utilized.
Main Results:
- All abscesses appeared as oval fluid collections (mean diameter 8 cm).
- Abscesses showed low-intermediate T1 signal, high T2 signal, and low post-contrast signal.
- A thickened, enhancing abscess wall (3-7 mm) and surrounding tissue enhancement were consistently observed, best seen on fat-suppressed T1-weighted post-gadolinium images.
- A dependent layering effect was noted in some T2-weighted images.
Conclusions:
- Bowel-related abscesses are well-demonstrated using MR imaging.
- Gadolinium-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted and T2-weighted sequences are valuable.
- Key imaging features include an enhancing abscess wall and perilesional tissue enhancement.