Optimising MRI small bowel techniques

R Sinha1, J A Stephenson2, A Rajesh2

  • 1Department of Clinical Radiology, South Warwickshire NHS Trust, Warwick Medical School, Buckingham Medical School, Warwick CV345BW, UK.

Clinical Radiology
|April 11, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a preferred, radiation-free diagnostic tool for small intestine evaluation, especially for pediatric patients and follow-up studies. This review discusses optimizing MRI techniques for enhanced small bowel imaging.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology and Medical Imaging
  • Gastrointestinal Diagnostics

Background:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly the preferred modality for small intestine evaluation, particularly in adults.
  • MRI's lack of ionizing radiation makes it suitable for pediatric patients and those needing repeated examinations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and describe methods for improving and optimizing MRI of the small intestine.
  • To highlight the advantages of MRI enterography over traditional enteroclysis techniques.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques for small intestine assessment.
  • Comparison of intubation (enteroclysis) and ingestion (enterography) methods.
  • Discussion of strategies to enhance image quality and diagnostic accuracy.

Main Results:

  • Enterography is generally more patient-acceptable than enteroclysis.
  • Enterography demonstrates comparable diagnostic accuracy to intubation-based methods.
  • Various optimization techniques can improve small intestine MRI efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • MRI is a valuable, radiation-free tool for small intestine imaging.
  • Enterography offers a patient-friendly alternative with high diagnostic value.
  • Optimizing MRI protocols is key to maximizing diagnostic yield for small bowel conditions.

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