Effects of meal intake on the flow velocity in the superior mesenteric artery: evaluation with 2D phase mapping MRI.

OBJECTIVE

Reliable results in MR flow measurements have been reported in humans. The current study was performed to evaluate the effects of a meal intake on the flow velocities in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and aorta by using 2D phase-mapping MRI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A constant flow phantom generating 0-150 cm/s of flow velocities was constructed to evaluate the accuracy of MR flow measurements. Eleven healthy volunteers underwent serial MRI once before and three times after a mixed meal intake (700 kcal).

RESULTS

Reliable MR flow measurements were validated in the constant flow phantom. In the healthy volunteers, the SMA and aorta had triphasic flow velocity waveforms in one cardiac cycle. Ingestion of a mixed meal increased flow velocities in the SMA. Peak velocities were observed at 20 min after the meal. The aortic flow velocities were unaffected by the meal.

CONCLUSION

A 2D phase-mapping MR technique is feasible to evaluate the SMA and aortic flow velocities. Evaluation of the flow velocities in the SMA may contribute to understanding intestinal as well as hepatic conditions in humans.