Value of computed tomography in the detection of complications of Crohn's disease

Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) scans were performed on 17 patients with suspected complications of Crohn's disease. CT was superior to conventional barium studies and colonoscopy in demonstrating mural, serosal, and mesenteric pathology such as bowel wall thickening (100%), abscess (59%) and phlegmon (6%) formation, and fibro-fatty proliferation of the mesentery (41%). While not advocated as the primary means of evaluating Crohn's disease, CT can provide information vital to the management of complications of this disease.