Computed Tomography (CT)

The noninvasive evaluation of gastrointestinal disorders has been revolutionized over recent years by technical advances in cross-sectional imaging techniques: computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CT is often the first choice for the evaluation of both solid organs and hollow gastrointestinal viscera. CT provides a global perspective of the gut, solid abdominal and pelvic organs, mesenteries, omenta, peritoneum, retroperitoneum, extraperitoneum, and subperitoneum with very few limitations or contraindications. Multidetector-row CT (MDCT) is now commonplace in most imaging departments, allowing higher resolution, multi-planar and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions available for the radiologists and clinicians. Improvements in image reconstruction techniques and decrease in scan time enables CT to be performed more efficiently and at a significantly lower radiation dose for the patient. Advances in the form of dual energy CT, textural analysis has further advanced the clinical utility of CT by offering greater diagnostic precision without the need for an invasive procedure. In this article, the CT features of the most common gastrointestinal disorders are discussed and the utility of CT is placed in a clinical perspective.