Fast MR imaging and the detection of small-bowel obstruction.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to determine whether fast MR imaging using the half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) MR sequence is accurate for diagnosis of small-bowel obstruction.


METHODS
Forty-three nonconsecutive patients with suspected small-bowel obstruction were evaluated with HASTE MR imaging during a 12-month period. Images were retrospectively assessed for the presence, level, and cause of bowel obstruction. Data were compared with results of conventional radiography and findings at surgery when available.


RESULTS
Of the 43 patients imaged, 29 patients had small-bowel obstruction revealed by unenhanced or contrast-enhanced radiography or by CT. Surgical confirmation was available in 21 patients. Small-bowel obstruction was shown by HASTE MR imaging in 26 (90%) of these 29 patients. HASTE MR images showed the correct level of obstruction in 19 (73%) of the 26 patients and showed the cause of obstruction in 13 (50%) of the 26 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
With a high degree of accuracy, HASTE MR imaging can show the presence and level of small-bowel obstruction.
Regan
F
F
Department of Imaging, The Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
Beall
D P
DP
Bohlman
M E
ME
Khazan
R
R
Sufi
A
A
Schaefer
D C
DC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D007421:Intestine, Small; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed