CT Enteroclysis

Abstract

Computed tomographic (CT) enteroclysis is a hybrid technique that combines the methods of fluoroscopic intubation-infusion small-bowel examinations with that of abdominal CT. The use of multidetector CT technology has made this a versatile examination that has evolved into two distinct technical modifications. CT enteroclysis can be performed by using positive enteral contrast material without intravenous contrast material and neutral enteral contrast material with intravenous contrast material. CT enteroclysis has been shown to be superior to other imaging tests such as peroral small-bowel examinations, conventional CT, and barium enteroclysis, except in the demonstration of early apthous ulcers of Crohn disease. CT enteroclysis is complementary to capsule endoscopy in the elective investigation of small-bowel disease, with a specific role in the investigation of Crohn disease, small-bowel obstruction, and unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding.