Summary:
The authors summarize their more than ten years’ experience and results obtained by aimed exami-
nations of the small intestine using enteroclysis in more than 3000 patients. They compare the
pathological pictures of different typical diseases of the small intestine, compare the findings obtained
on examination by enteroclysis, ultrasound and computed tomography. They mention the main
differential diagnostic signs of different diseases and their typical pictures. The authors summarize
also the advantages and disadvantages of different imaging method and indications for their use.
Enteroclysis is a standard examination method. Its advantage is evaluation of the whole small
intestine, a good topographic and anatomical overview, the possibility to evaluate the mucosa and
lumen of the digestive tract and indirectly evaluate also the entire wall of the small intestine and
its surrounding structures. Ultrasonographic examination (US, US enteroclysis) seem the best
method for screening. The basic advantage of ultrasound is the possibility to evaluate the wall of
the gastric tract and its layers, to assess the spread of the disease to neighbouring structures and
the presence of possible complications of the disease (abscess, fistulas). Recently by the use of
so-called US angiography it was made possible to evaluate also the vascularization of the reinforced
wall of the affected portion of the small intestine and thus also the possible activity of the
inflammation. CT examination, in particular CT enteroclysis, is a well standardized method where
in addition to the affection of the wall of the digestive tract also the spread of the pathological
process to surrounding tissues can be evaluated.
Key words:
enteroclysis - CT enteroclysis - US enteroclysis - small intestine
|