Assessment of splanchnic blood flow using magnetic resonance imaging.
OBJECTIVE
The splanchnic circulation has an important function in the body under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Despite its importance, no reliable noninvasive procedures for estimating splanchnic circulation have been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate MRI as a tool for assessing intra-abdominal blood flows of the aorta, portal vein (VPO) and the major intestinal and hepatic vessels.


METHODS
In nine healthy volunteers, the proximal aorta (AOP) and distal abdominal aorta (AOD), superior mesenteric artery (SAM), celiac trunk (CTR), hepatic arteries (common and proper hepatic arteries, AHC and AHP, respectively), and VPO were localized on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography images. Volumetric flow was measured using a two-dimensional cine echocardiogram-gated phase contrast technique. Measurements were taken before and 30 min after continuous intravenous infusion of somatostatin (250 microg/h) and were independently evaluated by two investigators.


RESULTS
Blood flow measured by MRI in the VPO, SAM, AOP, AHP, and CTR significantly decreased after drug infusion. Flows in the AOD and AHC showed a tendency to decrease (P>0.05). Interrater agreement on flows in MRI was very good for large vessels (VPO, AOP, and AOD), with a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.94, as well as for smaller vessels such as the CTR, AHC, AHP, and SAM (concordance correlation coefficient =0.78).


CONCLUSIONS
Somatostatin-induced blood flow changes in the splanchnic region were reliably detected by MRI. MRI may be useful for the noninvasive assessment of blood flow changes in the splanchnic region.
Barthelmes
Daniel
D
Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Parviainen
Ilkka
I
Vainio
Pauli
P
Vanninen
Ritva
R
Takala
Jukka
J
Ikonen
Aki
A
Tueller
David
D
Jakob
Stephan M
SM
D000328:Adult; D001011:Aorta / Q000502:physiology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006499:Hepatic Artery / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D017538:Mesenteric Artery, Superior / Q000502:physiology; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000502:physiology; D013004:Somatostatin; D013152:Splanchnic Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
D013004:Somatostatin