[Diagnostic imaging of the small bowel]

This article describes the different imaging techniques used in the study of the small bowel. We define the technical requirements that conventional small bowel follow through studies must fulfill to be considered an efficacious examination (individualized study of each bowel loop by compression and fluoroscopy); we evaluate the different types of enteroclysis, giving special attention to the biphasic type, which is the most commonly employed; we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of biphasic enteroclysis with respect to conventional small bowel follow through studies; and finally we evaluate the role of modern techniques of image acquisition, tomodensitometry and magnetic resonance imaging used together with traditional techniques. Small bowel studies require accurate indications for radiologic study, thorough and meticulous examination, and careful interpretation of the images obtained. Although the modern techniques of magnetic resonance and computed tomography enteroclysis are no better than conventional small bowel follow through or enteroclysis at demonstrating the details of the intestinal mucosa, they are of great use in solving the problem of the superimposition of intestinal loops and provide information about the intestinal wall and possible extraluminal pathology.