Computed Tomographic Evaluation of Disorders Affecting the Alimentary Tract

Abstract

The use of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing disorders affecting the hollow viscera of the alimentary tract has received little attention. CT scans of 43 patients on which lesions affecting the gastrointestinal tract were demonstrated were reviewed. All cases were correlated with barium enema examinations, surgical reports or autopsy findings. CT can provide valuable information on the extraluminal extent of masses arising in the bowel and on mesenteric masses; it can define and characterize extrinsic lesions. CT apparently is a useful adjunct in evaluating intramural or mesenteric lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.