1) To review the pathophysiology of common imaging findings seen in inflammatory bowel disease. 2) To demonstrate barium enema, CT, and MRI findings of acute and chronic inflammatory bowel disease, associated findings, and diverse complications. 3) To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of currently available imaging modalities for inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) most commonly occurs in North America and Europe, with an estimated combined patient population of 4-5 million in both regions. Incidence of IBD has been gradually rising since the mid-20th century, likely due to widespread changes in dietary patterns along with environmental factors. Cross-sectional imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) enterography are now more commonly utilized because of their ability to detect subtle changes in inflammation, high clinical sensitivity, and ability to detect complications such as a) fistulae, b) bowel obstruction, c) intussusception, and d) abscesses outside the bowel lumen. Though resolution for both CT and MR are comparable, MR has the added benefit of zero radiation exposure.