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01-06-2015 | Gastrointestinal

Measurement of oro-caecal transit time by magnetic resonance imaging

Authors: Edoardo Savarino, Vincenzo Savarino, Mark Fox, Giovanni Di Leo, Manuele Furnari, Elisa Marabotto, Lorenzo Gemignani, Luca Bruzzone, Alessandro Moscatelli, Chiara De Cassan, Francesco Sardanelli, Luca Maria Sconfienza

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 6/2015

Abstract

Objectives

To assess prospectively the agreement of orocaecal transit time (OCTT) measurements by lactulose hydrogen breath test (LHBT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in healthy subjects.

Methods

Volunteers underwent abdominal 1.5-T MRI using axial and coronal single-shot fast-spin-echo T2-weighted sequences, having fasted and after lactulose ingestion (10 g/125 mL). Imaging and H₂ excretion gas-chromatography were performed concurrently every 15 min up to 180 min. MR images were analyzed using semiautomatic segmentation to calculate small bowel gas volume (SBGV) and visually to detect bolus arrival in the caecum. Agreement between MRI- and LHBT-OCTT was assessed.

Results

Twenty-eight subjects (17 men/11 women; mean age ± standard deviation 30 ± 8 years) were evaluated. Two H₂ non-producers on LHBT were excluded. OCTT measured by MRI and LHBT was concordant in 18/26 (69 %) subjects (excellent agreement, k = 0.924). Median SBGV was 49.0 mL (interquartile interval 44.1 – 51.6 mL). In 8/26 (31 %) subjects, MRI showed that the lactulose bolus was in the terminal ileum and not the caecum when H₂E increased on LHBT. Median OCTT measured by MRI was significantly longer than OCTT measured by LHBT [135 min (120 – 150 min) vs. 127.5 min (105 – 150 min); p = 0.008]. Above baseline levels, correlation between [H₂] and SBGV was significant (r = 0.964; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

MRI provides valid measurements of OCTT and gas production in the small bowel.

Key Points

• MRI is a valid technique to measure OCTT.

• Excellent agreement between MRI and LHBT was found.

• Measuring gas production using MRI may provide evidence of small bowel fermentation.

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Title: Measurement of oro-caecal transit time by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Edoardo Savarino
Vincenzo Savarino
Mark Fox
Giovanni Di Leo
Manuele Furnari
Elisa Marabotto
Lorenzo Gemignani
Luca Bruzzone
Alessandro Moscatelli
Chiara De Cassan
Francesco Sardanelli
Luca Maria Sconfienza
Publication date: 01-06-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 6/2015
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3575-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Measurement of oro-caecal transit time by magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

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