Imaging of acute small-bowel obstruction.
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.
Nicolaou
Savvas
S
Department of Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital, 899 W 12th Ave., Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada. snicolaou@vanhosp.bc.ca
Kai
Brian
B
Ho
Stephen
S
Su
Jenny
J
Ahamed
Karim
K
D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003287:Contrast Media; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007421:Intestine, Small
D003287:Contrast Media