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CT Enterography

Multidetector CT examination of the small bowel with neutral oral contrast for inflammatory bowel disease.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Radyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is CT Enterography?

CT enterography (CTE) is a specialized multidetector CT examination of the small bowel using large volumes of neutral oral contrast (water or low-density methylcellulose) for bowel distension combined with intravenous contrast for vascular and mucosal enhancement. It allows detailed evaluation of small bowel wall, mesentery, mesenteric vessels and extraluminal complications.

Primary indications include suspected or confirmed Crohn disease, evaluation of disease activity and complications (strictures, fistulas, abscesses), small bowel obstruction with unclear etiology, occult gastrointestinal bleeding and small bowel neoplasm assessment. CTE provides excellent spatial resolution and is faster and more accessible than MR enterography but involves ionizing radiation, making MRE preferred for younger patients and serial follow-up.

Symptoms

Suspected Crohn disease
Known IBD with disease activity assessment
Small bowel stricture evaluation
Enterocutaneous fistula characterization
Mesenteric abscess identification
Unexplained chronic abdominal pain
Occult GI bleeding investigation
Small bowel neoplasm screening

Risk Factors

Inability to drink large oral contrast volumes
Severe nausea and vomiting
Iodinated contrast allergy
Chronic kidney disease (eGFR less than 30)
Pregnancy (relative contraindication)
Severe claustrophobia (less than MRI)
Pediatric patients (consider MRE alternative)
Bowel obstruction precluding oral contrast

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Persistent abdominal pain with diarrhea
  • Weight loss with bowel symptoms
  • Known Crohn disease with new symptoms
  • Suspected fistula or abscess
  • GI bleeding with negative endoscopy
  • Iron deficiency anemia of unknown source

Treatment Methods

01
Patient fasting 4 hours before examination
02
Oral neutral contrast 1.5-2 liters over 45-60 minutes
03
IV contrast (iodinated) injection at 4-5 mL/sec
04
Multiphasic acquisition: arterial, enteric and portal venous phases
05
Submillimeter axial slices with multiplanar reformations
06
Coronal and sagittal reconstructions for bowel evaluation
07
Assessment of bowel wall thickness, enhancement pattern
08
Evaluation of mesenteric vasculature and lymph nodes
09
Detection of strictures, fistulas, sinus tracts and abscesses
10
Comparison with prior imaging for disease progression

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Radyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.