title: Imaging of acute small-bowel obstruction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this pictorial essay is to review the different imaging techniques used for diagnosing small-bowel obstruction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Small-bowel obstruction is a common presentation, for which safe and effective management depends on a rapid and accurate diagnosis. Conventional radiographs remain the first line of imaging. CT is used increasingly more because it provides essential diagnostic information not apparent from radiographs. MRI may play a role in the future as technology improves and it becomes more readily available.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital, 899 W 12th Ave., Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada. snicolaou@vanhosp.bc.ca
authors.forename: Savvas
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nicolaou
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kai
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Karim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ahamed
mesh_terms: D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003287:Contrast Media; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007421:Intestine, Small
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media