Abstract

MRI of the colon

Author(s): Marije P van der Paardt, Frank M Zijta and Jaap Stoker

Magnetic resonance imaging of the colon is widely used for the diagnosis and treatment of anorectal disorders, but other applications can be considered as well. In this article we discuss the application of MRI in colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) and acute abdominal pain. The latter concerns MRI without a specific preparation while the other two applications concern the use of bowel preparation and colon distension (magnetic resonance colonography). CT is now the principal technique for these applications. The major advantage of MRI of the colon over CT is the lack of ionizing radiation exposure. The high soft-tissue contrast might be another advantage. Research over the last decade has demonstrated that MRI is a valuable alternative to CT, with accuracy values equal or superior to CT. Colorectal diffusion-weighted imaging has been increasingly studied with promising results.