Utility of MR enterography and ultrasound for the investigation of small bowel Crohn's disease

• Published in: Journal of magnetic resonance imaging Vol. 45; no. 6; pp. 1573 - 1588
• Main Authors: Bhatnagar, Gauraang, Von Stempel, Conrad, Halligan, Steve, Taylor, Stuart A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.06.2017
• Subjects: Complications; Crohn Disease - diagnostic imaging; Crohn Disease - pathology; Crohn's disease; Crohns disease; Decision making; Disease control; Disease detection; Humans; Image Enhancement - methods; Imaging; Intestine, Small - diagnostic imaging; Intestine, Small - pathology; Ionizing radiation; Magnetic resonance imaging; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; MR enterography; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity analysis; Sensitivity and Specificity; small bowel ultrasound; Small intestine; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasonography - methods; Ultrasound; MR enterography; small bowel ultrasound; Crohn's disease
• ISSN: 1053-1807; 1522-2586
• DOI: 10.1002/jmri.25569

Cross sectional Imaging plays an increasingly important role the diagnosis and management of Crohn's disease. Particular emphasis is placed on MRI and Ultrasound as they do not impart ionising radiation. Both modalities have reported high sensitivity for disease detection, activity assessment and evaluation of extra‐luminal complications, and have positive effects on clinical decision making. International Guidelines now recommend MRI and Ultrasound in the routine management of Crohn's disease patients. This article reviews the current evidence base supporting both modalities with an emphasis on the key clinical questions. We describe current protocols, basic imaging findings and highlight areas in need of further research. Level of Evidence: 5 Technical Efficacy: Stage 4 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1573–1588