Optimisation of Intestinal MR Imaging
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimisation of Intestinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (the Int-IM study).
IRAS ID
265787
Contact name
Irene Miguel-Aliaga
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The shape, size and function of internal organs can differ dramatically across adult individuals. While some differences arise during development and may be genetically determined, others may also result from exposure to different environmental factors – for example, adult organs such as the gastrointestinal tract are known to shrink dramatically when animals experience long starvation periods.
Dietary changes are not the only cause of adult organ plasticity; animal organ size has also been shown to be affected by some internal states. Reproduction is a striking example, with organs such as the pancreas, liver and intestine increasing their size up to two-fold during pregnancy and lactation. Although less is known about this plasticity in humans, the observation that the brain or sex organs shrink very significantly with age suggests that human organs are also capable of undergoing remodelling during their adult life. Work in our lab with model systems has shown that this plasticity is adaptive and also contributes to sex differences in disease susceptibility.
Historically, measuring the length of the small intestine has been fraught with difficulties. Given the striking effect of reproduction seen in other mammals, we are curious to explore whether similar differences between sexes exist in humans and to explore potential clinical significance. As our ability and the technology available to undertake detailed medical imaging has developed, there is the potential to accurately measure small intestinal length in situ and non-invasively via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
To fully realise the potential of these systems to deliver advancements in intestinal imaging, a period of sequence development is required. To achieve this, healthy adult volunteers will undergo MRI studies. The purpose of this study is to optimise parameters and assess reproducibility, to provide the maximum scientific and clinical benefit.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/SW/0172
Date of REC Opinion
8 Dec 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion