Fluoroscopic and CT enteroclysis: evidence-based clinical update

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Small bowel (SB) diseases are uncommon and present with nonspecific symptoms.
• Accurate diagnosis of SB disease is challenging due to its low incidence and vague clinical presentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of fluoro/radiographic contrast examination of the small bowel.
• To emphasize the role of computed tomographic enteroclysis in managing SB disease.
• To underscore the value of excluding SB abnormalities in patients with unexplained abdominal symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Fluoro/radiographic contrast examination of the small bowel.
• Computed tomographic enteroclysis (a cross-sectional hybrid examination).

Main Results:

• Enteral volume-challenged examinations provide proven performance characteristics for diagnosis.
• These imaging techniques shorten the diagnostic lag time for SB diseases.
• Reliable exclusion of SB abnormalities is a key diagnostic outcome.

Conclusions:

• Small bowel examinations are essential consultative tools for SB disease management.
• Accurate diagnosis or exclusion of SB disease is vital for patients with persistent unexplained abdominal symptoms.