[Imaging methods in diagnosis of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases]

In diagnostic imaging of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, endoscopy and radiologic techniques are used complementarily. For primary evaluation, endoscopy has greater impact, and radiologic techniques are restricted to the assessment of the small bowel. In acute and chronic complications, cross-section methods are superior because extraenteric lesions can be detected precisely. By means of fast sequences and development of gastrointestinal contrast media, magnetic resonance imaging is of increasing value because multiplanar sections can be performed and irradiation risk can be avoided.