Guidelines Clinical Practice
Copyright ©2009 The WJG Press and Baishideng.
World J Gastroenterol. Jan 14, 2009; 15(2): 160-168
Published online Jan 14, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.160
Table 1 Most frequently used imaging modalities in the study of the gastrointestinal tract: Overview of main advantages and shortcomings
ModalityAdvantagesShortcomings
Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT)High temporal and spatial resolutionHigh radiation exposure
Fast image acquisition without motion artefactsLess suitable for research in healthy subjects
Total evaluation of entire intestine and its surroundingsNo direct functional information
3D reconstructions and virtual endoscopy Possibility for image guided interventionLow risk of nephropathy due to intravenous iodised contrast media
Ultrasound (US)High soft tissue resolutionRelatively high interobserver variability
No radiation exposureIntestinal gas lowers image quality
Ideal for repeated examination and researchArtifacts may be difficult to interpret
Evaluation of intestinal wall and surroundingsTotal visualisation of the entire intestine is difficult
Information on motility, function and flow directly available using special techniques
Possibility for intraluminal imaging
Ideal for image guided intervention
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Good soft tissue imaging capabilitiesMotion artifacts due to intestinal motility
No radiation exposureLong image acquisition
Ideal for repeated examinations and research Total evaluation of entire intestine and its surroundingsImage resolution less than CT making 3D reconstructions and virtual endoscopy cumbersome
Functional and motility information directly available using special techniquesPotential long term effects of gadolinium-based contrast media (nephrogenic systemic fibrosis)
Conventional radiographyHigh temporal and spatial resolutionOnly direct visualisation of luminal/mucosal properties
Fast image acquisitionRadiation exposure
Motility and function easily studied using intraluminal contrastNo 3D image data
EndoscopyDirect visualisation of the mucosaInvasive procedure
Possibility for intervention (biopsies, polypectomy and endoscopic surgery)Discomfort and potential intestinal perforation No visualisation of deeper wall layers and surroundings