Multidetector CT Angiography in the Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia

Multidetector CT is an ideal tool for the diagnosis of acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia. Advanced CT scanners and expertise in three-dimensional imaging are becoming increasingly widespread, opening the door to new opportunities and challenges in the evaluation of patients suspected of having mesenteric ischemia. This article reviews contrast administration and image acquisition protocols, the anatomy of the mesenteric vasculature, the etiology of acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia, and CT findings diagnostic for these conditions.