MR Small-Bowel Follow-Through for Investigation of Suspected Pediatric Small-Bowel Pathology

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the potential role of an MR small-bowel follow-through (SBFT) technique in the investigation of suspected pediatric small-bowel abnormalities.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Between September 2003 and January 2008, 280 MR SBFT examinations were performed for investigation of known or suspected small-bowel abnormalities, including 19 of 280 examinations in 17 children (mean age, 13 years; age range 6–17 years), representing the current study population. A standardized technique was used in all cases, including axial and coronal steady-state free precession acquisitions at successive time intervals until completion. Retrospective analysis of the studies obtained was performed by two radiologists, who blindly and independently scored predefined small-bowel segments according to the degree of luminal distention achieved. Any pathologic lesions detected were also noted. Indicators of examination success as a whole (volume, tolerability, and side effects of oral contra...