The future developments in gastrointestinal radiology

Abstract

The last decade has witnessed great advances in abdominal imaging with technological developments and diagnostic improvements in CT, MRI and positron emission tomography-CT. Over the next decade, gastrointestinal imaging is set to rapidly evolve. Fluoroscopic techniques will be left behind and we will develop beyond simply anatomical imaging, embracing increasingly functional and quantitative techniques. Dose reduction and radiation-free modalities will take centre stage as imaging goes mobile, allowing clinicians at the bedside and remote subspecialty radiologists to review radiology from electronic devices. The authors discuss some of the key trends set to define the next decade in gastrointestinal radiology.

Figure 1

Endoluminal 3D reconstruction of a CT colonography dataset shows a 12 mm polyp (arrow) in the descending colon.

Figure 2

Axial magnetic resonance elastography of the liver (arrow). The technique uses mechanical waves to measure the mechanical properties of tissue based on its stiffness and expresses the data using a colour scale. It is increasingly used to assess liver fibrosis.

Figure 3

Coronal T1 weighted contrast enhanced image from an MR enterography examination in a patient with Crohn's disease. The thickened enhancing terminal ileum (arrow) is easily seen.