Finding the right tests…
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Finding the right tests…
CT Scan
CT enterography is a scan of the small intestine that uses a large volume of oral contrast liquid to distend the bowel, along with an intravenous contrast injection, so the bowel wall shows up clearly on CT images. It is used mainly when a doctor suspects inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease, and needs to see the location, extent, and severity of inflammation, narrowing, or complications like fistulas and abscesses. Unlike a standard abdominal CT, this scan is built specifically around filling the small bowel so its wall can be examined in detail. It can also help track how the bowel responds to treatment over time.
This scan looks at the wall of your small intestine, checking its thickness, blood supply, and surrounding tissue for signs of inflammation, narrowing, or complications such as fistulas and abscesses. Your report describes the location and extent of any changes found.
CT enterography is built around getting a clear, distended view of the small intestine, a part of the bowel that is otherwise hard to see well on a standard CT scan. You drink a large volume of a special oral contrast liquid before the scan, which fills and stretches the bowel so its wall becomes visible in detail. A contrast dye is also injected into a vein during the scan.
- Diagnosing Crohn's disease and locating where it affects the bowel - Checking how severe and active the inflammation is - Finding complications such as narrowing, fistulas, or abscesses - Following how the bowel responds to treatment over time
Because the bowel is deliberately filled and stretched, CT enterography shows the full thickness of the bowel wall, not just its inner lining. This is different from tests that only look at the surface of the bowel.
This scan uses both oral and intravenous contrast, so tell your doctor about any past reaction to contrast dye, kidney problems, or pregnancy before your appointment. As with any CT scan, it involves radiation exposure. People with inflammatory bowel disease sometimes need repeated imaging over the years, so ask your doctor about the lowest-dose option appropriate for you.
The oral contrast fills and stretches your small intestine so its wall shows up clearly on the CT images. Without it, the bowel can be hard to examine properly.
No. It is specifically designed to distend and examine the small bowel wall, which a standard abdominal CT does not do in the same detail.
It provides detailed images that help your doctor assess the bowel, but diagnosis is made alongside your symptoms and other test results. Ask your doctor to explain your specific findings.
Yes. Along with the oral contrast you drink, a contrast dye is also injected into a vein during the scan.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
Timing varies by patient and centre protocol. Ask your doctor or the centre for exact instructions before your appointment.
Preparation instructions, including eating and drinking beforehand, can vary. Ask your doctor or the centre what applies to you.
CT scans involve radiation, so they are generally avoided during pregnancy unless medically necessary. Tell your doctor if there is any chance you could be pregnant.
Yes, doctors sometimes use it to see how the bowel has responded to treatment over time. Your doctor will decide how often it's needed.