[Magnetic resonance colonography: a new diagnostic tool].

Magnetic resonance colonography (MR colonography) is a three-dimensional imaging of the colon. Data postprocessing also allows for virtual colonoscopy, depicting the intraluminal morphology. Acquisition and postprocessing of high-resolution images require a state-of the-art modern MR scanner and a workstation. Regarding patient preparation, a bowel cleansing is necessary. The results of cancer screening have shown MR colonography to be superior to the traditional double-contrast barium enema. In inflammatory bowel disease, MR colonography can be used to assess disease activity, including spreading.