Radiological aspects of ischaemic colitis. A review

The two main forms of ischaemic colitis-gangrenous and non-gangrenous with their subclassification- are described and their radiological aspects presented. A barium enema, carried out during the initial phase of the illness and repeated 2-3 weeks later -- in order to follow the course of the diseases -- is the most important diagnostic method. Endoscopy, clinical symptoms and the course of the disease may contribute to the final diagnosis especially in differentiating ischaemic colitis from granulomatous diseases.