Delayed muscle injuries in arterial insufficiency: contrast-enhanced MR imaging and 31P spectroscopy in rats.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether the vascular system resulting from an arterial lesion shows differences in permeability to a tracer with respect to the normal vascular system and whether eventual differences are maintained for long periods.


METHODS
Permanent ischemia was induced in rats with femoral arterial removal, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed after 1, 7, 14, and 90 days. Gadopentetate dimeglumine was injected, and the kinetics of its penetration in the leg were studied. Phosphorus 31 spectroscopy was performed to determine the bioenergetic characteristics of the gastrocnemius muscle at rest and stimulation. Ischemic muscles were then processed for electron microscopy.


RESULTS
After ischemia induction, a hyperintense area that progressively decreased was present on T2-weighted images. Gadopentetate dimeglumine improved the signal intensity of the area. Three months after arterial occlusion, the contrast-enhanced images still showed microvessels highly permeable to the tracers. Spectroscopic data revealed that 3 months after arterial removal, the bioenergetic reserve of the gastrocnemius muscle was reduced, suggesting that the contrast-enhanced MR imaging-visible area is functionally relevant. Ultrastructural examination revealed persistent muscle damage and signs of chronic microangiopathy.


CONCLUSIONS
After ischemia induction, the restitutio ad integrum is not complete, and delayed muscle injuries can result from arterial insufficiency.
Asperio
R M
RM
Department of Morphological-Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Anatomy and Histology, University of Verona, Medical Faculty, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
Nicolato
E
E
Marzola
P
P
Farace
P
P
Lunati
E
E
Sbarbati
A
A
Osculati
F
F
D000818:Animals; D001158:Arteries / Q000473:pathology*; D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D007511:Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply; D009132:Muscles / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology; D010761:Phosphorus Radioisotopes; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D003287:Contrast Media; D010761:Phosphorus Radioisotopes; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA