Computed tomography enterography and magnetic resonance enterography: the future of small bowel imaging.

In the last 5 years, computed tomography enterography (CTE) and to a lesser extent magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) have supplanted the routine small bowel series and enteroclysis in the evaluation of many small bowel diseases, especially Crohn's disease. Both CTE and MRE use similar methods of bowel lumen opacification and distension and both have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Both have been most extensively studied in patients with Crohn's disease. What is certain is that these cross-sectional examinations have largely replaced the historic fluoroscopic examinations in the evaluation of the small bowel.