Spiral CT: clinical applications in the gastrointestinal tract

Spiral CT provides the ability to acquire single breathhold volume acquisitions that allow for optimization of the infusion of iodinated contrast material and CT data acquisition. Although initial applications focused on the chest, liver, and vascular system, spiral CT has important implications for the tubular structures of the GI tract (esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and colon). Tumor detection and staging may be optimized by these better datasets which also provide multiplanar and 3D imaging capabilities. This article reviews many of these specific applications and emphasizes the potential value of spiral CT scanning.