Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of the gastrointestinal tract: technique, indications, and imaging findings.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has emerged as an important tool in the diagnostic work-up of patients with bowel cancer and inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. It functions on the basis of the microscopic motion of water molecules in a cellular environment and provides functional information about the water in body tissues. Diffusion-weighted imaging serves to complement conventional MR imaging, and its use may improve the accuracy of tumor detection and staging.

Multidetector computed tomography of the mesocolon: review of anatomy and pathology.

The anatomy of the mesocolon can be seen on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scans, and its most important anatomic landmarks are the mesocolic vessels. The high spatial resolution of the current generation scanner coupled with the ability to generate high quality multiplanar images is very helpful in the delineation of the mesocolon. These vessels include the ileocolic and right colic vessels for the ascending mesocolon, the middle colic vessels for the transverse mesocolon, and the inferior mesenteric vein for the sigmoid and descending mesocolon.