Objective To explore the diagnostic value of capsule endoscopy and small bowel CT virtual endoscopy(CTVE) in identifying of small intestinal diseases. Methods Fifty-five cases patients of suspected small intestinal diseases who were treated by Capsule endoscopy and small bowel CTVE examination in the Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science & Technology and Kailuan Majiagou Mine Hospital from January 2009 to December 2015 were chosen.The detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of small bowel disease were compared between the two methods. Results There was no significant difference in the detection rate of CTVE and capsule endoscopy(80.7% vs.89.5%, P=0.719). There was significant difference in the accuracy of CTVE and capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis of small intestinal non space occupying lesions(60.7% vs.89.3%, P=0.040). The correct rate of diagnosis of small bowel lesions was 93.1% in CTVE, and 51.7% in capsule endoscopy, there was statistically significant difference between the two ways(P=0.032). Conclusion Capsule endoscopy and CTVE are both non invasive tests, the operation is simple, safe, and the patients are easy to accept, and they are both helpful in the diagnosis of small bowel diseases.Capsule endoscopy has an advantage in the diagnosis of small bowel lesions, while CTVE is superior to capsule endoscopy in terms of small bowel occupying lesions.Combined use of the two ways can improve the diagnostic rate of small bowel disease. Key words: small intestinal neoplasms; Small bowel disease; CT virtual endoscopy; Capsule endoscopy