Gonzalez Baerga CI, Menendez Santos M, Ortiz Cordero RG, Guevara Tirado OA, Virarkar M, Gopireddy DR. Role of magnetic resonance in bowel pathologies: Beyond inflammatory bowel disease. World J Radiol 2026; 18(7): 122165 [DOI: 10.4329/wjr.122165]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Ruben Gabriel Ortiz Cordero, MD, Department of Radiology, The University of Florida College of Medicine, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209, United States. ruben.ortiz@ufhealth.org
Research Domain of This Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
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review-article
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Gonzalez Baerga CI, Menendez Santos M, Ortiz Cordero RG, Guevara Tirado OA, Virarkar M, Gopireddy DR. Role of magnetic resonance in bowel pathologies: Beyond inflammatory bowel disease. World J Radiol 2026; 18(7): 122165 [DOI: 10.4329/wjr.122165]
World J Radiol. Jul 28, 2026; 18(7): 122165 Published online Jul 28, 2026. doi: 10.4329/wjr.122165
Role of magnetic resonance in bowel pathologies: Beyond inflammatory bowel disease
Carlos Ignacio Gonzalez Baerga, Manuel Menendez Santos, Ruben Gabriel Ortiz Cordero, Oswaldo André Guevara Tirado, Mayur Virarkar, Dheeraj Reddy Gopireddy
Carlos Ignacio Gonzalez Baerga, Manuel Menendez Santos, Ruben Gabriel Ortiz Cordero, Oswaldo André Guevara Tirado, Mayur Virarkar, Dheeraj Reddy Gopireddy, Department of Radiology, The University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL 32209, United States
Author contributions: Gonzalez Baerga CI, Menendez Santos M, Virarkar M, and Gopireddy DR conceptualized and designed the study, supervised, and made critical revisions; Gonzalez Baerga CI, Menendez Santos M, Ortiz Cordero RG, and Guevara Tirado OA conducted the literature review and drafted the original manuscript; Gonzalez Baerga CI, Menendez Santos M, Virarkar M, and Gopireddy DR interpreted the data; and all authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
AI contribution statement: AI tools (specifically ChatGPT) were used solely for linguistic refinement and formatting assistance. No AI tool was involved in the generation of research data, interpretation of results, or formulation of conclusions. All AI-generated outputs were critically reviewed and revised by the authors.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest to disclose.
Corresponding author: Ruben Gabriel Ortiz Cordero, MD, Department of Radiology, The University of Florida College of Medicine, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209, United States. ruben.ortiz@ufhealth.org
Received: April 13, 2026 Revised: May 21, 2026 Accepted: June 10, 2026 Published online: July 28, 2026 Processing time: 104 Days and 10.7 Hours
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has an established role for identifying and monitoring inflammatory bowel disease. This review summarizes key MRI findings and select technique considerations for bowel pathologies beyond inflammatory bowel disorders, emphasizing how imaging features within this modality can support diagnosis and assist with management. We highlight MRI features of inflammatory and infectious conditions, mechanical obstruction, neoplasms, and mesenteric ischemia. We also discuss how particular imaging techniques may improve diagnostic confidence, including diffusion-weighted imaging when contrast cannot be administered and rapid motion-robust sequences to reduce motion artifacts from peristalsis and breathing.
Core Tip: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely recognized for evaluating inflammatory bowel disease, but its utility extends well beyond this indication. This minireview highlights key MRI features of additional bowel pathologies, including infectious and inflammatory conditions, radiation-induced injury, fistulas, mechanical obstruction, intussusception, neoplasms, and mesenteric ischemia. We emphasize practical technique considerations, such as diffusion-weighted imaging when intravenous contrast is contraindicated and rapid motion-robust sequences like half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo to mitigate peristaltic and respiratory artifacts. Recognizing these findings can enhance diagnostic confidence and guide management, particularly in pediatric, pregnant, and radiation-sensitive patients.
