Role of computed tomography enteroclysis in the evaluation of small bowel diseases

Abstract

Background: Examining small bowel loops within the peritoneal cavity poses significant challenges because of their length and overlapping nature. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the utility of computed tomography enteroclysis (CTE) in diagnosing small intestinal diseases and to understand its clinical application. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from November 2019 to October 2021 in 30 patients undergoing CTE treatment. The day before treatment, bowel preparation included a low-residue diet, lots of fluids, an overnight fast of 8–12 h, and laxatives. A 16-slice Aquilion Lightning computed tomography (CT) scanner was used in general hospitals, and a 128-slice GE Healthcare helical CT scanner was used in multispecialty hospitals. Results: Among the 30 patients, 20 (66.7%) were male, and 10 (33.3%) were female, predominantly aged between 30 and 60 years old. Positive findings were noted in 23 patients (76.7%), including intestinal tuberculosis, inflammatory bowel disease, small bowel obstruction, and neoplastic lesions. Various small intestinal pathologies, such as non-specific edema, intussusception, and ischemic bowel disease, were also identified. Conclusion: This raises the standard of current small bowel imaging by delivering suitable intestinal distension using the enteral volume challenge principle and helps identify and characterize small-bowel problems.

Keywords

• small bowel diseases; enteroclysis; alimentary tract; fluoroscopy; gastroenterology