Granulomatous enterocolitis: findings by ultrasonography and computed tomography

Granulomatous enterocolitis was evaluated in 51 patients by ultrasonography, and in 14 of those patients also by computed tomography (CT). The features of granulomatous enterocolitis include abscesses in various locations and bowel loops that are matted and inflamed, dilated due to obstruction, or have thickened walls. Although the diagnostic findings of ultrasound and CT examinations are not as specific as those of barium-enhanced radiographic examinations, they are helpful in the clinical management of patients. Serial ultrasound examinations are ideal to demonstrate progression or regression of the inflamed bowel-loops and abscesses. Real-time scanning is important in the differentiation of fluid-filled or matted and inflamed bowel-loops from abscesses. However, manual scanning is usually better for the delineation of the abdominal wall and complicated retroperitoneal abscesses.