MR enterography of Crohn disease: part 1, rationale, technique, and pitfalls

Rakesh Sinha1, Ratan Verma, Sadhna Verma

  • 1Department of Clinical Radiology, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Insights

This review covers Magnetic Resonance (MR) enterography techniques for diagnosing Crohn disease. It highlights how MR enterography findings help assess disease severity and guide treatment decisions.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Radiology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Crohn disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition requiring accurate diagnostic tools.
  • Magnetic Resonance (MR) enterography offers a non-invasive method for evaluating small bowel diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the technical aspects of performing MR enterography.
  • To detail imaging findings indicative of Crohn disease.
  • To enhance reader proficiency in MR enterography performance and interpretation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of MR enterography techniques.
  • Analysis of imaging findings associated with Crohn disease.
  • Self-assessment modules for skill improvement.

Main Results:

  • MR enterography is a key imaging modality for Crohn disease evaluation.
  • Specific imaging features aid in diagnosing and assessing Crohn disease activity.
  • The technique allows for comprehensive assessment of disease extent and complications.

Conclusions:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is crucial for assessing Crohn disease severity and complications.
  • MRI findings assist in guiding therapeutic strategies, including surgical and medical management.
  • MR enterography provides valuable, accurate information for patient care in Crohn disease.

Related Concept Videos

Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP01:26

Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions related to the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder. This procedure is beneficial for identifying and addressing blockages, gallstones, strictures, and tumors within the biliary or pancreatic systems. ERCP is both diagnostic and therapeutic, offering the ability to visualize and treat identified problems in one session.
Patient...
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy01:26

Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy

This lesson explores three gastrointestinal imaging techniques: radionuclide testing, colonic transit studies, and virtual colonoscopy.
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
Lower GI Series: Barium Enema01:23

Lower GI Series: Barium Enema

A Barium Enema, or a lower GI series, is a specialized radiographic examination designed to visualize the lower gastrointestinal tract, specifically the colon and rectum. This procedure is instrumental in diagnosing various conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, diverticulosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Procedure Details
The examination begins by inserting a lubricated rectal tube into the patient's rectum to administer a radiopaque barium solution. The barium flow is carefully...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy01:28

Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy, or wireless or video capsule endoscopy, is a diagnostic procedure for examining the entire gastrointestinal tract. Patients swallow a capsule about the size of a vitamin tablet. The capsule is equipped with a transmitter, a battery, an LED light source, and a color video camera to capture images throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This procedure is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, tumors, polyps, ulcers, unexplained...