[Echotomography in the diagnosis of Crohn's disease]

The diagnostic accuracy of abdominal ultrasonography in Crohn's disease has been assessed in a prospective, randomized, simple-blind controlled study. A group of 181 out-patients (89 with accertained Crohn's disease and 92 controls) was studied. Considering "target sign" and/or "probable signs" of Crohn's disease, ultrasonographic sensitivity in diagnosing Crohn's disease was 84% and specificity 83%. Abdominal ultrasonography is indicated in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases, in the screening and follow-up of patients with Crohn's disease and in cases with contraindications to X-Ray examinations.