Ultra-high-field magnetic resonance enterography in the diagnosis of ileitis (Neo-)terminalis: a prospective study

Magnetic resonance (MR) enterography provides the advantages of conventional enteroclysis and those of cross-sectional imaging. Adequate luminal distension, combined with ultrafast sequences, results in excellent delineation of mural and extramural manifestations of Crohn's disease. Recent technical advances, including ultra-high-field strength MR with its capability to provide fast multiplanar images with excellent soft tissue contrast, are only rarely included in abdominal studies.

One hundred four consecutive patients with a proved or suspected diagnosis of ileitis terminalis were prospectively selected for MR imaging studies and ileocolonoscopy. The final diagnosis was based on histopathological findings or based on a combined endpoint of clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, and imaging findings.

According to the endoscopic examination, stenosis was present in 26 patients (25%) and could be ruled out in 78 patients (75%). Total agreement between MR and endoscopy could be reached in 74 patients (71%). Histology indicated absence of inflammation in 50 patients (48%). MR and endoscopic findings were concordant in 38 patients (76%) and 37 patients (74%), respectively. Corresponding results by ileocolonoscopy were 37 true negative, 29 true positive, 4 false positive, and 12 false negative (sensitivity, 70.7%; specificity, 74%).

MR enterography with a 3.0-T scanner is a powerful tool in the evaluation of ileal diseases, and has therefore made MR enterography the first-line modality at our institution in patients with suspected inflammatory bowel disease.