RADIOLOGY OF THE SMALL-INTESTINE

This review outlines the recent contributions to the literature in the investigation of alterations of small intestinal blood flow. In particular, Doppler studies of the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery have been validated and barium and cross-sectional imaging appearances have been described in different clinical scenarios. The value of computed tomography in small bowel obstruction has been recognized to be in those with high-grade obstruction who are being considered for conservative treatment. Further evidence of the role of angiography in unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding is presented and the use of computed tomography in detecting small bowel damage in blunt trauma is emphasized. Several papers attest to the superiority of enteroclysis over conventional follow-up examinations in the investigation of small bowel neoplasms and inflammatory disease, although the evidence remains uncontrolled.