Multidetector CT in small-bowel neoplasms

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic potential of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the evaluation of small-bowel neoplasms.

We studied 120 patients with suspected small-bowel disease by 16-slice MDCT after oral administration of a polyethylene glycol solution (n=56) or methylcellulose via a nasojejunal tube (n=64). Unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT was performed. Contrast-enhanced CT images were acquired 40 s after IV injection of 130 ml of iodinated contrast agent at a rate of 3 ml/s. Multiplanar reconstructions were performed at the end of the examinations.

Fifteen patients were found to be affected by small-bowel neoplasm (six had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, three had carcinoid tumour, two had Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, two had adenocarcinoma, two had melanoma metastases, one had lipoma). In the remaining patients, 58 cases of Crohn's disease and seven miscellaneous diseases were detected. All findings were confirmed by barium studies, surgery or endoscopy.

MDCT performed after bowel-loop distension with low-density contrast material and IV administration of iodinated contrast agent is a reliable method for diagnosing and staging small-bowel neoplasms.