Review of cross-sectional abdominal imaging with a special focus on the bowel contraction MR imaging

Two major cross-sectional imaging modalities used in the medical field for the diagnosis of abdominal conditions are X-ray computed tomography and Magnetic resonance imaging. Dramatic technological advances have been achieved in the both imaging modalities in recent years, it has become possible to obtain images with quite high spatial, temporal and contrast resolution. In this article, recent development of CT and MRI are described as well as the clinical efficacy of contrast material used in imaging. Cross sectional imaging of Gastrointestinal tract which has realized great advances in recent years are demonstrated. Finally, our recent attempt of characterization and qualitative assessment of bowel contraction using cine-MRI is demonstrated.