- There are only a few visible responses that
intestines can make to large number of diseases and insults. Thus, only
a few radiographic features can be analyzed on imaging studies.
Radiographic features often define processes, not specific
diseases, so the goal of radiologist should be to detect, describe, and diagnose abnormalities using radiographic pattern analysis. Also, because
findings are often nonspecific, specific diagnoses are rarely made in a
radiological vacuum.
- Patterns that should be assessed when evaluating
the small bowel include the location of the abnormality, the caliber of
the lumen, the mucosal contour, and the fold pattern. Are masses or
nodules present? If so, how many? What do they look like?
- In fluoroscopy studies, the character and transit
time of the contrast material should also be evaluated. Note that a
normal barium transit time through the small bowel is 30 min. – 3
hrs. For example, rapid
transit or dilution of barium suggests a hypersecretory state.
- The upcoming pages will show how pattern
analysis can tailor differential diagnoses.
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