Radiological imaging of the small bowel

Recently introduced endoscopy-based imaging methods such as double-balloon endoscopy or wireless capsule endoscopy can visualize the complete small bowel. These approaches are quite invasive diagnostic methods. Therefore, radiological small bowel imaging is also still considered as the primary imaging approach to diagnose pathological changes of the small bowel. In this review article the most important small bowel imaging modalities such as conventional fluoroscopy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound are discussed. Additionally the most important diseases, which can affect the small bowel, are evaluated and the optimal imaging modalities are pointed out, respectively.