Imaging techniques in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal and hepatic disease

Abdominal imaging continues to grow in importance for diagnosis, anatomic staging, and functional analysis of gastrointestinal ailments. In this review, we attempt to delineate those publications, both original investigations and summary articles, that have advanced our understanding of abdominal imaging in infants and children. Special attention is given to the newer modalities that provide previously unavailable methods to analyze abnormalities. These include Doppler ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging as well as CT for abdominal trauma. Interventional radiology techniques useful for treatment of gastrointestinal diseases are also discussed.