Feasibility of using automated insufflated carbon dioxide (CO 2) for luminal distension in 3.0 T MR colonography

摘要

Purpose: Primary aim of our study was to prospectively evaluate the feasibility of automated carbon dioxide (CO 2) delivery as luminal distending agent in 3.0 T MR colonography. Materials and methods: Rectally insufflated CO 2 was evaluated in four groups with different bowel preparation (A-D). Bowel preparation regimes were: gadolinium-based tagging (A), bowel purgation (B), barium-based tagging (C) and iodine-based tagging (D). Supine (3D)T1w-FFE and (2D)T2w-SSFSE series were acquired. Each colon was divided into six segments (cecum S1-rectum S6). Two observers independently assessed the presence of artefacts, diagnostic confidence and segmental colonic distension. Also characteristics of the residual stool (presence, composition and signal-intensity) were assessed per segment. Discomfort was assessed with questionnaires. Results: Fourteen healthy subjects were included. Colonic distension by means of rectally insufflated CO 2 was not associated with susceptibility artefacts. Overall image quality was affected by the presence of bowel motion-related artefacts: none of the segments in 3DT1w-series and 10/84 (12%) colon segments in 2DT2w-series were rated artefact-free by both observers. Diagnostic confidence ratings were superior for the 2DT2w-SSFSE series. Overall bowel distension was rated adequate to optimal in 312/336 (93%) colon segments. Conclusion: MR colonography at 3.0 T using carbon dioxide (CO 2) for colonic distension is technically feasible. The presence of intraluminal CO 2 did not result in susceptibility artefacts, although overall image quality was influenced by artefacts.