Evaluating inflammatory activity in Crohn's disease by cross-sectional imaging techniques

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Assessing inflammatory bowel activity in Crohn's disease is challenging due to limited endoscopic access to the small bowel.
• Barium studies were historically used but have been superseded by advanced imaging techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the technical aspects, indications, contraindications, and limitations of computed tomography enterography (CTE) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE).
• To describe the imaging characteristics of inflammatory activity in Crohn's disease using CTE and MRE.

Main Methods:

• Review of technical considerations for CTE and MRE in Crohn's disease evaluation.
• Analysis of imaging findings indicative of active inflammation in Crohn's disease.

Main Results:

• CTE and MRE are current modalities of choice for evaluating Crohn's disease activity.
• These techniques provide detailed information on intestinal wall involvement and extra-intestinal manifestations.
• They assess lesion characteristics, complications, and quantify inflammatory activity.

Conclusions:

• CTE and MRE are valuable tools for assessing Crohn's disease inflammatory activity.
• Understanding their technical aspects and imaging features is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.