title: MR imaging of the colon: "technique, indications, results and limitations".
abstract: In the last few years virtual colonography using MR imaging has shown a proceeding development regarding detection and quantification of colorectal pathologies. Dark-lumen MR colonography (MRC) has been a leading tool for the diagnosis of the entire colon and their pathologies. This review article describes some of the underlying techniques of MRC concerning data acquisition, the need for intravenously applied paramagnetic contrast agent, as well as indications, results and limitations of MRC for the detection of colorectal pathologies. In addition, new techniques to improve patient acceptance are discussed.
authors.affiliation: University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. ajaj@uke.uni-hamburg.de
authors.forename: Waleed
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ajaj
authors.forename: Mathias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Goyen
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D003106:Colon / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003113:Colonoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care