[Computed tomography of the digestive tract]

Computed tomography (CT) of the gastrointestinal tract is mostly employed in the staging of malignant lesions. Additionally, the application of CT in the diagnostic work-up of unclear abdominal complaints becomes more and more widespread. These different indications require adequate and standardised examination procedures. In this publication the general principles of gastrointestinal CT are presented, and the characteristic CT features of malignant and benign diseases are illustrated. The advantages, limitations and common pitfalls are pointed out.