72250-4

LOINC code 72250-4 identifies "CT Small bowel W contrast PO and W contrast IV". This procedure is often called CT enterography, and is a valuable and complementary addition to MR enterography/enteroclysis and capsule endoscopy to diagnose small bowel disorders, especially to assess the extent and severity of Crohn's disease. A non-invasive imaging technique that is well tolerated by patients, CT enterography provides superior small bowel visualization and assessment of pathology arising from the small bowel wall or surrounding organs. The procedure combines small bowel distension with a neutral or low-density oral contrast mixture and abdominal-pelvic CT examination during the enteric phase, following administration of IV contrast. Findings of Crohn's disease include mucosal hyper-enhancement, mural thickening and stratification, transmural ulceration, mesenteric inflammation, engorgement of vasa recta and strictures associated with upstream dilatation. [PMID: 22553291]

This code measures Multisection^W contrast PO+W contrast IV in Abdomen>Small bowel. It belongs to the RAD class in the LOINC classification.

LOINC (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes) is a universal standard for identifying laboratory and clinical observations. It is maintained by the Regenstrief Institute and used worldwide for health data exchange.