Learning objectives
The purpose of this research is to review the MRI findings of Crohn´s disease based on a case series from our centre,
describing bowel manifestations and,
where available,
correlating them to the histopathological features.
Background
Crohn´s disease (CD) is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract with a complex diagnostic algorithm.
Although endoscopic and pathological findings,
as well as a compatible clinical history,
are usually compulsory to establish the definitive diagnosis,
imaging studies are required to characterise the burden and severity of the disease.
Given that most patients with CD present small bowel involvement (1) imaging examination of this organ is needed in almost every case.
Whereas conventional imaging (barium enema,
bowel follow through) have been traditionally used,
multislice techniques...
Findings and procedure details
Small bowel MRI investigations were reviewed in 48 patients with proved or suspected CD between March 2001 and March 2018. We found 30 females and 18 males with ages between 18 and 66 years old (mean: 38.56 years old).
Small bowel was distended using Polyethylene Glycol solution as an oral contrast agent,
administrated two hours before starting the examination.
MRI studies were performed in a 1,5T scan with the habitual protocol,
based on ECCO-ESGAR Guidelines (4),
which includes: axial and coronal Balanced FFE T2W sequences,...
Conclusion
Definitive diagnosis of Crohn´s disease requires a multidisciplinary algorithm where MRI investigations are a valuable technique to assess bowel disease.
Firstly,
MRI findings can change the management of these patients since it can detect the severity and burden of the disease and,
as imaging studies provide a reliable anatomic view,
they can also offer guidance for surgical planning.
Secondly,
MR-Enterography is the optimal technique to follow-up and can be useful to evaluate the treatment response.
Nevertheless,
further studies are required to prove the utility of...
Personal information
Contact details:
Dr.Clara M.
Romero-Martínez
Resident in training.Department of Radiology,
Hospital Universitario de Mostoles.Doctor Luis Montes,s/n28935 Móstoles,
Madrid,
Spain.
Email:
[email protected]
Dr.
Yareanna Del Rosario Vega
Resident in training.Department of Radiology,
Hospital Universitario de Mostoles.Doctor Luis Montes,s/n28935 Móstoles,
Madrid,
Spain.
Email:
[email protected]
Dr.
Elena Antón Pascual
Abdominal Radiology Section.Department of Radiology,
Hospital Universitario de Mostoles.Doctor Luis Montes,s/n28935 Móstoles,
Madrid,
Spain.
Email:
[email protected]
Dr.
Maria Jesús Arias Fernández
Abdominal Radiology Section.Department of Radiology,
Hospital Universitario de Mostoles.Doctor Luis Montes,s/n28935 Móstoles,
Madrid,
Spain.
Email:
[email protected]
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Lin MF,
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Developing role of magnetic resonance imaging in Crohn's disease.
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Fidler J.
MR imaging of the small bowel.
Radiol Clin North Am 2007; 45:317.
Sturm A, Maaser C, Calabrese E,
et al.
ECCO-ESGAR Guideline for Diagnostic Assessment in IBD Part 2: IBD scores and general principles and technical aspects.
Journal of Crohn's and Colitis 2018.
Bruining...