Early Detection of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia Using Diffusion-Weighted 3.0-T Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Porcine Model

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate if 3.0-T diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used for early detection of acute occlusive and nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia. Materials and Methods: In this study, approved by the official committee on animal affairs, proximal (occlusive) mesenteric ischemia and peripheral (nonocclusive) mesenteric ischemia were induced in 8 and 2, respectively, female domestic pigs. Proximal mesenteric ischemia was induced by intraarterial injection of n-butyl-cyanoacrylate in the superior mesenteric artery or 1 of its main branches; peripheral mesenteric ischemia was induced by intra-arterial injection of microparticles. Before embolization and at 30-, 60-, and 90-minute intervals after embolization, diffusion-weighted imaging was performed, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were calculated on a clinical 3.0-T system. Immediately after the last MRI session, animals were killed to provide a pathological correlation for mesenteric ischemia. Results: Ischemic bowel parts appeared hyperintense on diffusion-weighted images and hypointense on the corresponding ADC maps. Mean diffusion-weighted imaging signal intensity increased and ADC decreased significantly within 30 minutes after embolization (P < 0.001) and remained unchanged until 90 minutes after injury, independent of the embolization method. Conclusions: 3.0-Tesla diffusion-weighted MRI may help detect acute mesenteric ischemia as early as 30 minutes after vessel occlusion.