Anorectal, pelvic and colonic imaging

Abstract

Since the discovery of the X-ray by William Conrad Roentgen in November 1895, radiology of the lower gastrointestinal tract has been at the forefront of advances in medical imaging. For many years examinations were confined to the twin imaging modalities of the plain film and contrast study. Whilst these techniques still play a role in the assessment of patients with anorectal and colonic diseases, the advent of the crosssectional imaging modalities, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) have revolutionised the role of radiology. In addition, the relentless increase in computer power with a doubling time of approximately 18 months (Moore's law) continues to result in further technical innovations, which include the expanding role of functional imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET)/CT. These developments continue to provide exciting advances for the imaging of patients in the 21st century. This chapter provides a succinct overview of current imaging modalities, with particular reference to their role in patients with anorectal, pelvic and colonic diseases. The role of anal and rectal sonography is covered in Chap. 9. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.