Feasibility of an optimized MR enterography protocol in the evaluation of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Cross-sectional imaging forms an important alternative and complimentary tool to endoscopy in aiding the clinician with diagnosis and management of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of an optimized Magnetic Resonance Enterography (MRE) protocol in the evaluation of patients with suspected IBD. 31 children (18 boys and 13 girls) were evaluated by a pediatric gastroenterologist prior to MRE and given a grading for clinical severity of disease. Imaging was then performed with oral contrast and a tailored protocol using fast T1/T2 weighted pulse sequences. Additionally, contrast and glucagon were administered intravenously. Imaging findings were then correlated with the clinical data. Excellent distension was achieved in the small bowel. The majority of the studies were of diagnostic quality with no motion artifacts. Imaging findings showed statistically significant correlation with disease activity. An optimized pediatric MRE protocol is feasible and correlates well with clinical disease activity. This in turn aids the clinician in the management of children with this chronic debilitating disease.