| Abstract: |
This chapter about radiology of the colon is from a comprehensive text that offers chapters about each of the major colonic disorders. Each chapter is coauthored by at least one surgeon and one gastroenterologist to reflect the in-depth collaboration between these fields that is required for managing diseases of the colon. In this chapter, the authors describe the use of plain films, barium enema, defecography, cross-sectional imaging with magnetic resonance (MR) or computerized tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear studies for bleeding, and angiography and transcatheter techniques for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Diseases and conditions diagnosed include extraluminal gas collections, colonic obstruction, volvulus, toxic megacolon, ischemic colitis, appendicitis, colitis, Crohn’s disease, polyps, cancer, and diverticulitis. The authors note that, in most cases, results with MR or CT for the colon are similar, but MR examinations are longer and some patients may experience claustrophobia. For functional abnormalities, for reduction of intussusception, and in screening for polyps and cancer, the double-contrast barium enema still has a role. For optimal staging of colorectal tumors, particularly for recurrence, PET is the emerging technique, used in combination with CT for assessment of primary site or scar versus recurrence, as well as metastases. The chapter includes black-and-white photographs and illustrations and concludes with an extensive list of references. 32 figures. 4 tables. 216 references. |