Evaluating mesenteric ischemia with multidetector-row CT angiography.

Multidetector-row computed tomographic (MDCT) angiography is an established non-invasive imaging modality to evaluate the mesenteric vasculature. It has an important role in diagnostic algorithms for assessment of suspected acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia. Clinical success for synchronizing a MDCT volumetric acquisition with a bolus of contrast medium and also for depicting vascular pathology with high accuracy relies on implementing several key principles. This can be more challenging with advanced generation MDCT scanners. This article reviews the technical principles fundamental to evaluating the mesenteric vasculature with MDCT angiography. An overview of clinical application is also presented.