The current status of multidetector row CT and three-dimensional imaging of the small bowel

Radiologists have played an important role in evaluation of patients with small bowel pathology. The small bowel series and, later, enteroclysis were the mainstays in radiologic diagnosis of many small bowel diseases, because the resolution and speed of CT was limited. Continued improvements in CT technology over the last 2 decades have resulted in an expanding role of CT for evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract, including the small intestine. Many conditions, such as small bowel obstruction and ischemia, that would traditionally be imaged with other modalities (small bowel series or angiography) are now routinely imaged with CT. The development of MDCT and improvements in 3D imaging systems have greatly improved the ability to examine the small bowel and mesenteric vasculature. With the introduction of new CT oral contrast agents and faster 32-detector row CT scanners, the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with small bowel disease will continue to improve.