MRI mapping of intra-abdominal movement in health
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Towards the detection of intra-abdominal adhesions by dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (d-MRI): Mapping and quantifying the pattern of intra-abdominal movement in healthy volunteers
IRAS ID
181495
Contact name
K D Bardhan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Intra-abdominal adhesions, likened to internal “scars”, cause a variety of symptoms, remain a common clinical problem, and are difficult to recognise without surgery. We therefore developed a different approach using dynamic MRI, where conventional “still” images are displayed as a video which, by incorporating movement, made it easier to recognise abnormalities caused by adhesions. We then developed a technique for mathematical analysis in which the distance and direction of movement of structures within the abdomen could be calculated and displayed as vector arrows and contour lines, like weather maps. This more readily showed differences in movement patterns between the healthy and patients with adhesions. We have since enhanced our software which now allows for quicker and more detailed analysis, making it suitable for use in clinical practice. Recognising the “abnormal” requires distinguishing from the “normal”, i.e. the healthy. Thus to recognise abnormal movement created by adhesions requires a similar comparison with the “normal” – but no such referenced map exists. We will therefore investigate up to 60 healthy volunteers using dynamic MRI for the specific purpose of investigating and measuring intra-abdominal movement. There is no standard protocol available for this purpose so we will need to develop one. Given the nature of the task, such development will necessarily be a continuous cycle of try, review, refine and re-apply. Hence this process will be restricted to a small group of up to 10 volunteers. Once fully developed, the protocol will then be applied to the larger group. Our aim is to gain a deeper understanding of intra-abdominal movement, measure the changes and examine the pattern in different regions. This information will form the reference “atlas” in health against which patients’ images can be compared to enhance recognition of adhesions.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/2103
Date of REC Opinion
1 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion