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Magnetic resonance imaging in inflammatory bowel disease
J P Shoenut1, R C Semelka, R Silverman
1Department of Medicine, St. Boniface General Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging effectively assesses inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) severity. Contrast enhancement in MR images correlates with inflammation extent and bowel wall thickness, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnosis and monitoring require accurate assessment of inflammation.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging offers a non-invasive method to visualize gastrointestinal tract changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the correlation between MR imaging findings and the severity of inflammation in IBD patients.
- To determine if MR imaging can accurately quantify inflammatory changes in the GI tract.
Main Methods:
- MR images were acquired in 28 IBD patients using gadopentetate dimeglumine contrast.
- Techniques included Fast Low Angle Shot (FLASH) and fat-suppressed spin echo imaging.
- Percent contrast enhancement (% CE) was compared with endoscopic and surgical findings.
Main Results:
- A strong correlation was found between % CE and inflammation severity (r = 0.74, p = 0.0001).
- % CE also correlated with affected bowel length (r = 0.49) and bowel wall thickness (r = 0.42).
- Bowel wall thickness showed the best correlation with % CE (r = 0.53, p < 0.004).
Conclusions:
- MR imaging accurately demonstrates the extent and severity of inflammatory changes in IBD.
- MR findings correlate well with endoscopic and histological assessments.
- This modality aids in determining bowel wall thickness, affected segment length, and inflammation severity.