Imaging of the gastrointestinal tract

Gastrointestinal imaging has undergone immense and profound changes since the days when radiologists had only plain abdominal radiography, barium studies and cholecystography to offer as a means of investigating the gastrointestinal tract. Advances in technology have made huge differences in the ways and means of investigating the various pathologies afflicting the gastrointestinal tract. Ultrasound provides assessment of the solid organs and the intestine without the use of ionizing radiation. Computed tomography (CT) provides unparalleled imaging of congenital, inflammatory, traumatic and neoplastic processes, providing information on the solid organs and tubular structures, including the vasculature. Information is provided to aid immediate management or to stage lesions for subsequent or combined therapies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gives unprecedented multiplanar images and soft tissue resolution. There is still a place for plain radiography and barium studies but this is decreasing as technology advances.(c) 2001 Prous Science. All rights reserved.