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©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
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
Modality | Advantages | Shortcomings |
Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) | High temporal and spatial resolution | High radiation exposure |
Fast image acquisition without motion artefacts | Less suitable for research in healthy subjects | |
Total evaluation of entire intestine and its surroundings | No direct functional information | |
3D reconstructions and virtual endoscopy Possibility for image guided intervention | Low risk of nephropathy due to intravenous iodised contrast media | |
Ultrasound (US) | High soft tissue resolution | Relatively high interobserver variability |
No radiation exposure | Intestinal gas lowers image quality | |
Ideal for repeated examination and research | Artifacts may be difficult to interpret | |
Evaluation of intestinal wall and surroundings | Total 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 capabilities | Motion artifacts due to intestinal motility |
No radiation exposure | Long image acquisition | |
Ideal for repeated examinations and research Total evaluation of entire intestine and its surroundings | Image resolution less than CT making 3D reconstructions and virtual endoscopy cumbersome | |
Functional and motility information directly available using special techniques | Potential long term effects of gadolinium-based contrast media (nephrogenic systemic fibrosis) | |
Conventional radiography | High temporal and spatial resolution | Only direct visualisation of luminal/mucosal properties |
Fast image acquisition | Radiation exposure | |
Motility and function easily studied using intraluminal contrast | No 3D image data | |
Endoscopy | Direct visualisation of the mucosa | Invasive procedure |
Possibility for intervention (biopsies, polypectomy and endoscopic surgery) | Discomfort and potential intestinal perforation No visualisation of deeper wall layers and surroundings |
- Citation: Frøkjær JB, Drewes AM, Gregersen H. Imaging of the gastrointestinal tract-novel technologies. World J Gastroenterol 2009; 15(2): 160-168
- URL: https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v15/i2/160.htm
- DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.3748/wjg.15.160