Detection and mapping of intraabdominal adhesions by using functional cineMR imaging: Preliminary results

PURPOSE: To identify and map intraabdominal adhesions by using functional c ine magnetic resonance (MR) Imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients suspected of having intraabdom inal adhesions were examined. Section-by-section dynamic:depiction of induc ed visceral slide throughout the whole abdomen was achieved by using a tran sverse or sagittal true fast imaging with steady-state precession sequence. Location and type of diagnosed adhesions were documented by using the nine segments of the abdominal A map. These criteria and intraoperative results were compared in 13 patients. RESULTS: MR images depicted a total of 42 intraabdominal adhesions; 21 (50% ) were in the lower abdomen. The most common types of adhesions were locate d between the ventral abdominal walt and smalt-bowel loops (n = 10 [24%]) a nd between adjacent small-bowel loops (n = 9 [21%]). Comparison with the in traoperative results showed a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 92. 5%. MR imaging was most accurate in depicting adhesions to the abdominal wa ll (15 [94%] of 16) and subperitoneal space (eight [100%] of eight). The pr esence of adhesions between tween bowel loops was overestimated. CONCLUSION: Detection of Visceral slide at functional cine MR imaging is ea sy to perform and represents a well-tolerated and accurate procedure for us e in the identification of intraabdominal adhesions in patients with chroni c pain and equivocal clinical findings.