Imaging of Intestinal Ischemia

Jacob Ecanow, Richard Gore

Abstract


Intestinal ischemia encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders that are characterized by hypoxia of the small bowel or colon. These disorders may present with acute or chronic symptoms, and may be life threatening. Imaging plays an important role in the evaluation of these patients. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is currently the primary imaging modality for evaluating both acute and chronic forms of this disorder. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) play important adjunctive roles. Angiography is primarily used when interventional radiologic treatment is indicated, and both plain film and barium studies have very limited usefulness in diagnosing these disorders. Intestinal ischemic disorders have been classified into several major types, each of which have typical imaging features, and each of which are best evaluated with a different specific imaging strategy.

Keywords


Mesenteric ischemia; Ischemic colitis; CT small bowel; CT colon; CT angiography; MR angiography

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18103/imr.v2i10.220

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