Utility of high-resolution MR imaging in demonstrating transmural pathologic changes in Crohn disease

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has emerged as an imaging modality that can be used to help diagnose and evaluate Crohn disease of the small and large bowel. MR imaging has high diagnostic accuracy in the detection of Crohn disease, and high-resolution thin-section MR images can demonstrate transmural pathologic changes of Crohn disease from the level of the mucosa to that of the mesentery. High-resolution MR image data also may be used to construct high-quality multiplanar and endoluminal views that may provide additional diagnostic information. Knowledge of the MR imaging findings of Crohn disease and how they correlate with the pathologic features of the disease is important to facilitate accurate diagnosis and detect complications.