Stomach Duodenum Computed Tomography

Abstract

Recent advances in computed tomographic (CT) technology, including the introduction of multidetector row CT and the development of real time three-dimensional (3D) imaging systems have sparked renewed interest in using CT to evaluate the gastrointestinal tract. The same technology that is applied to CT colonography and the generation of 3D and endoluminal images of the colon can be used to perform a detailed CT examination of the stomach (Horton and Fishman 2003) and will be dealt elsewhere. Optical gastroscopy provides the most useful information about the exact location of the lesion and also allows performance of biopsy. Endoscopic ultrasonography (US) provides information about horizontal extension of the tumor, the depth of mural invasion, and presence of perigastric lymphadenopathy (Kim et al. 2006). For evaluation of metastatic involvement of the liver, however, three-phase multidetector CT of the liver using arterial, portal, and venous phase scanning remains the examination of choice. CT also is invaluable for the demonstration of distal metastatic disease or spread to lymph nodes in the retroperitoneum (GI The Requisites).