[64-slice computer tomography for diagnostics of the small bowel: computer tomography enteroclysis]

Radiologic imaging of the small bowel is the method of choice because other methods are of limited availability. Computer tomography (CT) enteroclysis is the leading modern method for diagnostic imaging of the small intestine. It combines the advantages of conventional small bowel infusion with those of abdominal CT and can serve to disclose a wide range of small bowel pathologies.

101 patients underwent CT enteroclysis at the Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. The procedure of CT enteroclysis is described starting from patient preparation and infusion technique to the scanning protocols.

The results served to characterize the patients, establish indications and contraindications to CT enteroclysis, and reveal common errors of the method.

Preliminary findings bring to light the considerable usefulness of CT enteroclysis. Other methods like ultrasound, MRI, conventional enteroclysis, or capsule endoscopy can be complementary in special cases.