CT of radiation-induced injury of the gastrointestinal tract: spectrum of findings with barium studies correlation

Because of improvement in survival rate of patients with abdominal cancer, gastrointestinal complications following external radiation therapy are bec oming more frequent. Thus, an increased number of patients are commonly inv estigated with imaging because of suspected radiation-induced injury of the gastrointestinal tract. This pictorial review highlights the spectrum of C T and barium study manifestations of radiation-induced injury of the gastro intestinal tract. The major role of CT in the evaluation and management of patients with radiation injury of the gastrointestinal tract is highlighted . Emphasis is placed on CT imaging signs that may help in distinguishing be tween radiation-induced injury and recurrent disease.