Objective To evaluate CT and ultrasonic imaging as a diagnostic means of acute intestinal obstruction. Methods Acute intestinal obstruction of 30 patients diagnosed by preoperative CT scanning and ultrasonic imaging was retrospectively viewed, compaired with intraoperative and pathologic findings.Results The overall accuracy of CT for detection of obstruction was 86.7% (26/30),CT and ultrasonic imaging was 93.3% (28/30). Conclusion CT with ultrasonic imaging is of great advantages for senile patients especially having malignant tumors and for patients with intestinal intussuception. CT with ultrasonic imaging is found to be reliable for diagnosing ileolithiasis and abdominal abscess and mesentery vein thrombosis, but is less sensitive in cases of bowel torsion.