Advances in radiological imaging of gastrointestinal tumors

• Published in: Critical reviews in oncology/hematology Vol. 69; no. 2; pp. 153 - 167
• Main Authors: Hoeffel, C, Mulé, S, Romaniuk, B, Ladam-Marcus, V, Bouché, O, Marcus, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.02.2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: Abdominal; Colonography, Computed Tomographic; Computed tomography; Gastrointestinal; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms - pathology; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Humans; Liver Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Liver Neoplasms - pathology; Magnetic resonance imaging; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Neoplasm Staging; Radiographic Image Enhancement; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Tumor; Ultrasonography; Ultrasound; Tumor; Computed tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Gastrointestinal; Abdominal; Ultrasound
• ISSN: 1040-8428; 1879-0461
• DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2008.06.011

Abstract This article summarizes the recent advances in radiological imaging in the hepatogastrointestinal field in terms of detection, characterization and staging of tumors. Introduction of multidetector row computed tomography technology has helped computed tomography to excel in its already established indications, and has expanded its capabilities by adding new clinical applications, such as computed tomography angiography, liver perfusion, computed tomography enterography or enteroclysis, and virtual colonoscopy. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound has dramatically changed the role of ultrasound in liver tumor characterization, detection, and other applications. Combining the advantages of unsurpassed soft tissue contrast and lack of ionizing radiation, magnetic resonance imaging of the gastrointestinal tract has become increasingly used clinically. Moreover, substantial progress in molecular and cellular magnetic resonance imaging has been achieved in the past few years. Particularly, the increasing number of available specific contrast agents dedicated to the evaluation of the liver and lymph nodes shows promises in the area of oncologic abdominal imaging.