Abstract
Radiological imaging plays a major role in the evaluation of older adults with a range of manifestations reflecting gastrointestinal (GI) illness. Traditional imaging studies such as barium swallow, upper GI series, and barium enema have become of decreasing importance because of the rise of endoscopic studies and newer modalities in radiological imaging. The chapter demonstrates the utility of plain X-rays of the abdomen, barium studies, ultrasonography, computerized axial tomography with and without contrast and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and their various roles in the evaluation and diagnosis of GI disease. The images with background case histories complement the other chapters in the book. Radiology is part of the modern interdisciplinary team with an important role along with history and clinical evaluation. Although most of the studies are noninvasive, MRI or the use of contrast may pose problems in the old with contraindications and must be used in conjunction with values derived from Clinical examination. Caution is to be exercised in interpreting incidental findings in advanced radiological studies.