Bowel obstruction MRI
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hadeel Maksoud M.D.[2]
Overview
Overview
There are no MRI findings associated with bowel obstruction . However, a MR enterography may be helpful in the diagnosis of complications of bowel obstruction, which include ischemia, perforation and necrosis. MR enterography is also useful in identifying the site of obstruction.
MRI
MRI
- There are no MRI findings associated with bowel obstruction . However, a MR enterography may be helpful in the diagnosis of complications of bowel obstruction, which include:[1][2]
- MR enterography is also useful in identifying the site of obstruction, especially in low-grade bowel obstruction such as those in cases of Crohn’s disease, and in younger patients to reduce exposure to radiation.
- MR enterography has a higher sensitivity and specificity than helical CT in detecting bowel obstruction.[3]
Limitations of MR enterography
- Lengthy wait for image processing
- Repeated breath holding is required
References
References
- ↑ Mullan CP, Siewert B, Eisenberg RL (2012). “Small bowel obstruction”. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 198 (2): W105–17. doi:10.2214/AJR.10.4998. PMID 22268199.
- ↑ Fidler JL, Guimaraes L, Einstein DM (2009). “MR imaging of the small bowel”. Radiographics. 29 (6): 1811–25. doi:10.1148/rg.296095507. PMID 19959523.
- ↑ Beall DP, Fortman BJ, Lawler BC, Regan F (2002). “Imaging bowel obstruction: a comparison between fast magnetic resonance imaging and helical computed tomography”. Clin Radiol. 57 (8): 719–24. PMID 12169282.
Looking for the patient version?
© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH