Computed tomography enterography

CT enterography
SpecialtyRadiology

Computed Tomography Enterography (CT Enterography, CTE) is a medical imaging technique which uses computed tomography scanner and contrast media to examine the small bowel.[1] It was first introduced by Raptopoulos et al in 1997.[2] CT Enterography can be used to assess a variety of problems involving the small bowel, however it is mainly used to diagnosis and assess severity of Crohn's disease.[3]

CT enterography should not be confused with CT enteroclysis. In CT enterography contrast media is given orally, and in CT enteroclysis contrast media is administered through a fluoroscopy -guided positioned nasojejunal tube.[3]

Advantages

CTE provides enough distention of the bowel not present during normal CT imaging to increase the ability to examine in lumen and internal lining of the small intestines.[4] When the small bowel is not properly distended it can be difficult to see if there is a problem in that area.[5] CTE also provides better visualization of extraenteric findings, as well as acute inflammation, of Crohn’s disease. These extraenteric findings include, but no limited to, fistulas and abscesses.[5] Additionally, compared with CT enteroclysis, the patient does not need to be sedated for CTE nor requires the invasive step of placing the nasojejunal tube.[3]

Disadvantages

While CTE's main use is in the diagnosis and follow up in Crohn's disease, many of the findings on Crohn's disease found on CTE can be caused by a wide variety of other conditions.[5] Spasm and collapse of the small intestine, which can happen in Crohn's disease, can obscure imaging of that portion of the bowel even with CTE.[5]

Indications

Protocol

At least 4 hours of no intake of solid foods, patient may have clear liquids. Metoclopramide (Reglan) will be administered to assist with emptying the stomach and increase movement through the small intestines. Large amounts of an oral contrast agent are given to the patient. Neutral contrast agents are preferred over positive contrast agents such as barium. The neutral agents are vitally important for the effective visualization of the lining of the small intestine. Use of positive contrast agents could make it difficult to see any inflammation in the lining. Neutral agents include water, EG electrolyte solution, sugar alcohols, and methylcellulose. Patient are usually able to drink the large of amounts of these agents required for the study with major difficulty.[5] This step is given at increments of 0, 20, 40, and 55 minutes after Reglan dose. Glucagon is given to patient 5 minutes before they enter the CT scanner to counter act the previous medication and attempt to slow down bowel activity.  Intravenous contrast is also given when the patient is on the scanner. The patient will then enter the scanner for the image to be captured.[3]

Use in Crohn's Disease

CTE is preferred for the examination of Crohn's disease due to its increased spatial resolution and better ability to examine the wall of the small intestine than traditional CT studies of the abdomen and pelvis.[5] Findings on CTE that indicate acitive inflammation in the small bowel, possibly caused by Crohn's disease, include:

  • Mural hyperenhancement[5]
  • Mural stratification[5]
  • Thickening of bowel wall[7]
  • Mesenteric fat stranding[7]
  • Enlarged vasa recta[7]

CTE is also used in examining if bowel inflammation improves after therapy and if the disease is progressing in a concerning way.[8]

Contraindications and Special Considerations

See also

References

  1. ↑ Diseases of the abdomen and pelvis 2010-2013 : diagnostic imaging and interventional techniques. Jürg Hodler, Gustav Konrad von Schulthess, Ch. L. Zollikofer, International Diagnostic Course in Davos, Nuclear Medicine Statellite Course '"Diamond", Pediatric Satellite Course "Kangaroo". Milano. 2010. ISBN 978-88-470-1637-8. OCLC 697276986.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  2. ↑ Image processing in radiology : current applications. E. Neri, D. Caramella, C. Bartolozzi. Berlin: Springer. 2008. ISBN 978-3-540-25915-2. OCLC 233973111.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Dave-Verma, Hetal; Moore, Scott; Singh, Ajay; Martins, Noel; Zawacki, John (November 2008). "Computed Tomographic Enterography and Enteroclysis: Pearls and Pitfalls". Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology. 37 (6): 279–287. doi:10.1067/j.cpradiol.2007.08.007.
  4. ↑ Bhatt, Shuchi; Roy, Satarupa; Bhardwaj, Naveen; Tandon, Anupama; Singh, Vikas Kumar; Jain, Bhupender Kumar; Mandal, Samrat (2017). "Kaleidoscopic View of Bowel Tuberculosis on Multi- Detector Computed Tomography (CT) Enterography – A Novel Technique Unfolding an Archaic Disease". Polish Journal of Radiology. 82: 783–791. doi:10.12659/PJR.903473. ISSN 1899-0967. PMC 5894039. PMID 29657645.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Paulsen, Scott R.; Huprich, James E.; Fletcher, Joel G.; Booya, Fargol; Young, Brett M.; Fidler, Jeff L.; Johnson, C. Daniel; Barlow, John M.; Earnest, Franklin (May 2006). "CT Enterography as a Diagnostic Tool in Evaluating Small Bowel Disorders: Review of Clinical Experience with over 700 Cases". RadioGraphics. 26 (3): 641–657. doi:10.1148/rg.263055162. ISSN 0271-5333.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Park, Seong Ho; Ye, Byong Duk; Lee, Tae Young; Fletcher, Joel G. (September 2018). "Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Small Bowel Enterography". Gastroenterology Clinics of North America. 47 (3): 475–499. doi:10.1016/j.gtc.2018.04.002.
  7. 1 2 3 Elsayes, Khaled M.; Al-Hawary, Mahmoud M.; Jagdish, Jagalpathy; Ganesh, Halemane S.; Platt, Joel F. (November 2010). "CT Enterography: Principles, Trends, and Interpretation of Findings". RadioGraphics. 30 (7): 1955–1970. doi:10.1148/rg.307105052. ISSN 0271-5333.
  8. ↑ Bruining, David H.; Zimmermann, Ellen M.; Loftus, Edward V.; Sandborn, William J.; Sauer, Cary G.; Strong, Scott A.; Al-Hawary, Mahmoud; Anupindi, Sudha; Baker, Mark E.; Bruining, David; Darge, Kassa (March 2018). "Consensus Recommendations for Evaluation, Interpretation, and Utilization of Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Enterography in Patients With Small Bowel Crohn's Disease". Gastroenterology. 154 (4): 1172–1194. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2017.11.274.
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