Variability in measurements of abdominal blood flow using non-invasive phase-contrast-mapping MRI

Motivation: Measuring the reproducibility of 2D PC-MRI measures of intestinal blood flow is important for its clinical application. Goal(s): The aim is to examine the precision of 2D PC-MR measures of resting intestinal blood flow and postprandial blood flow changes. Approach: Ten healthy men were scanned on eight different days collecting at least three repeated 2D PC-MRI measures each day. Participants were also given an oral glucose tolerance test. Results: A CoV of 6%-9% was obtained for consecutive flow measures and 13%-15% for between day measurements. Flow increased 75% in the arteria mesenterica superior and 60% in the vena portae after glucose consumption. Impact: The low variability of repeated flow measures in the arteria mesenterica superior and vena portae compared to the high change in flow after glucose consumption makes 2D PC-MRI measures of flow changes in these vessels a feasible diagnostic test.