A radiologic study of chronic radiation-induced injuries of the small intestine and colon.

On the basis of 144 radiation-induced intestinal and colorectal lesions seen in 109 patients, the authors review the radiologic aspects associated with such affections. Two points are emphasized: (1) the chronic and still active nature of radiation-induced injury which can explain the appearance of lesions more than 10 years after irradiation, and (2) the locoregional nature of the affection which warrants systematic exploration of the urinary tract by intravenous pyelography in addition to radiologic and endoscopic investigation of the digestive tract. The authors also advise an echography and/or CT scan to detect any neoplastic recurrence.