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CT Enterography for Small Bowel Imaging

Specialized CT scan with luminal contrast to evaluate small bowel inflammation and tumors.

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 for Small Bowel Imaging?

CT enterography (CTE) is a tailored examination requiring 1.5 to 2 liters of neutral oral contrast (e.g., VoLumen) administered over 45 to 60 minutes to distend the small bowel, followed by intravenous iodinated contrast in the enteric phase (45 to 50 seconds delay).

Primary indications include Crohn's disease assessment (active inflammation, strictures, fistulae, abscesses), evaluation of obscure GI bleeding, and detection of small bowel tumors such as neuroendocrine tumors and lymphoma. It outperforms conventional small bowel follow-through.

CTE provides excellent depiction of mural enhancement, wall thickness, mesenteric findings, and extra-enteric complications. MR enterography is preferred when avoiding radiation, especially in young patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

Symptoms

Indications: known or suspected Crohn's disease
Obscure GI bleeding (after upper and lower endoscopy)
Suspected small bowel tumor
Crohn's disease activity monitoring
Small bowel obstruction evaluation
Diverticular disease
Intestinal ischemia

Risk Factors

Diagnosis or family history of Crohn's disease
Iron-deficiency anemia of unknown origin
Carcinoid syndrome (suspected neuroendocrine tumor)
Familial polyposis syndromes
Chronic abdominal pain with weight loss
Recurrent partial small bowel obstruction
Capsule endoscopy positive for bleeding source

When to See a Doctor?

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

  • Suspected small bowel disease beyond endoscopic reach
  • Crohn's disease activity assessment
  • Recurrent obscure GI bleeding
  • Unexplained chronic abdominal pain with red flags
  • Pre-surgical planning of intestinal disease
  • Surveillance of polyposis syndromes

Treatment Methods

01
Patient fasting and oral contrast preparation
02
Multidetector CT acquisition during enteric phase
03
Coronal and axial reformatting for bowel evaluation
04
Reporting of mural thickness, enhancement, complications
05
Comparison with prior studies for activity
06
Multidisciplinary team review for IBD
07
Alternative MR enterography for radiation-sensitive patients

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.