【Abstract】 Objective Using 16-slice multi-detector row helical CT (16-slice MDCT) to investigate the value of multiplanar reformation technique (MPR) in the diagnosis of bowel obstruction. Methods Thirty patients with surgically (27 cases) or clinically (3 cases) proofed diagnosis of bowel obstruction underwent 16-slice MDCT examination of the entire abdomen. All cases had plain CT scan, while 20 cases had additional contrast-enhanced CT scan at portal venous phase. In addition to the conventional axial images, the original CT raw data were then reconstructed into both coronal and sagittal images using MPR technique. Imaging findings were analyzed on axial, MPR coronal and sagittal images. Results Among the 30 patients with bowel obstruction, there were 8 cases caused by adhesion, 7 by simple intestinal tumor, 5 by intussusception (including caused by instestinal tumor), 4 by abdominal hernia, 2 by volvulus, 1 by ileocecal abscess, 1 by stenosis of mesenteric artery，1 by retroperitoneal cyst, and 1 by carcinoma in pancreatic tail. Six patients developed intestinal ischemia or strangulation. Both axial and MPR images correctly depicted the presence of bowel obstruction. Based on CT axial view （AV）, the site and the underlying etiology of bowel obstruction were determined in 26 (86.7%) and 22 (73.3%) patients respectively, while the combination with MPR coronal and sagittal images improved the diagnostic performance to 29 (96.7%) and 27 (90.0%) patients respectively. Both axial and MPR images correctly revealed the presence of intestinal ischemia or strangulation in 5 （83.3%）patients. Conclusion MPR technique of MDCT is very useful for evaluating the site and etiology of bowel obstruction, as well as the circulation status of involved bowel loop.