Contrast Enhanced Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (CE-MDCT) in Evaluation of Small Intestinal Ischemia

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of contrast enhanced multi-detector computed tomography MDCT in the diagnosis of the small intestinal ischemia, detection of the cause of the ischemia and the effects of ischemia on small intestinal loops. Material and Methods: 16 patients suspected to have small bowel ischemia had undergone contrast enhanced multidetector CT examination for detecting the cause of the small intestinal ischemia and the ischemic changes on the small intestinal loops. Results: Contrast enhanced MDCT examinations detected the different causes and small intestinal loops changes in both acute and chronic small intestinal ischemia. Conclusion: In small bowel ischemia due to arterial or venous cause, MDCT can be used as a one-step diagnostic method as it detects mesenteric vessels occlusion or stenosis as well as its cause; it shows also the changes in the small bowel wall and mesentery related to the ischemic condition.