MR Enteroclysis MR enteroclysis is not useful in the acute situation of suspected obstruction in which the patient is ill. In this clinical scenario, such patients cannot tolerate the invasive nature of the examination. MR enteroclysis appears to compare favorably with CT enteroclysis in evaluating a low-grade obstruction [66], although neither MR enteroclysis nor CT enteroclysis are in wide use because patients are often unable to tolerate the degree of small-bowel distension necessary. Children, and particularly pregnant patients, with known or suspected SBO, as well as younger patients with repetitive episodes of obstruction, are the ideal population to undergo MRI. In pregnant patients, only noncontrast sequences are obtained. In other patients, MR enteroclysis can be performed either as an IV contrast enhanced study or a noncontrast study. MR Enterography In the setting of suspected obstruction of this clinical scenario, patients cannot generally tolerate the oral contrast administration requirements related to the enterography technique. To our knowledge; however, little data are available on comparing MR enterography with other imaging examinations in patients with a suspected SBO. MRI Abdomen and Pelvis Increasing evidence supports the role of MRI for detecting and characterizing SBO. Because of absent evidence of any incremental diagnostic gain, compared with CT, MRI should not be used routinely to evaluate suspected high- grade SBO [67]. However, there may be situations in which MRI could be an appropriate alternative to CT, particularly for those who have had multiple prior CT examinations or are expected to get multiple future imaging examinations. Examinations may be difficult to interpret related to patient pain and discomfort and associated patient motion in the acute setting. Radiography Abdomen and Pelvis Abdominal radiography has been the traditional starting point for the imaging evaluation of suspected SBO [68].
Suspected Small Bowel Obstruction. MR Enteroclysis MR enteroclysis is not useful in the acute situation of suspected obstruction in which the patient is ill. In this clinical scenario, such patients cannot tolerate the invasive nature of the examination. MR enteroclysis appears to compare favorably with CT enteroclysis in evaluating a low-grade obstruction [66], although neither MR enteroclysis nor CT enteroclysis are in wide use because patients are often unable to tolerate the degree of small-bowel distension necessary. Children, and particularly pregnant patients, with known or suspected SBO, as well as younger patients with repetitive episodes of obstruction, are the ideal population to undergo MRI. In pregnant patients, only noncontrast sequences are obtained. In other patients, MR enteroclysis can be performed either as an IV contrast enhanced study or a noncontrast study. MR Enterography In the setting of suspected obstruction of this clinical scenario, patients cannot generally tolerate the oral contrast administration requirements related to the enterography technique. To our knowledge; however, little data are available on comparing MR enterography with other imaging examinations in patients with a suspected SBO. MRI Abdomen and Pelvis Increasing evidence supports the role of MRI for detecting and characterizing SBO. Because of absent evidence of any incremental diagnostic gain, compared with CT, MRI should not be used routinely to evaluate suspected high- grade SBO [67]. However, there may be situations in which MRI could be an appropriate alternative to CT, particularly for those who have had multiple prior CT examinations or are expected to get multiple future imaging examinations. Examinations may be difficult to interpret related to patient pain and discomfort and associated patient motion in the acute setting. Radiography Abdomen and Pelvis Abdominal radiography has been the traditional starting point for the imaging evaluation of suspected SBO [68].