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Congress: ECR25
Poster Number: C-18574
Type: Poster: EPOS Radiologist (educational)
DOI: 10.26044/ecr2025/C-18574
Authorblock: S. Barbarino, M. Adorna, D. Antoci, G. A. Meli, E. David, P. V. Foti, S. Palmucci, A. Basile; Catania/IT
Disclosures:
Sebastiano Barbarino: Nothing to disclose
Miriam Adorna: Nothing to disclose
Davide Antoci: Nothing to disclose
Gaetano Alfio Meli: Nothing to disclose
Emanuele David: Nothing to disclose
Pietro Valerio Foti: Nothing to disclose
Stefano Palmucci: Nothing to disclose
Antonio Basile: Nothing to disclose
Keywords: Abdomen, Colon, Gastrointestinal tract, CT, Ultrasound, Diagnostic procedure, Abscess, Fistula, Inflammation
Learning objectives This poster aims to compare ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) in evaluating complications of Crohn’s disease, including strictures, fistulas, and abscesses. By highlighting the strengths and limitations of each modality, we provide insights into their role in diagnosis, management, and patient follow-up. Understanding their complementary use can enhance diagnostic accuracy, optimize clinical decision-making, and minimize radiation exposure when appropriate.
Read more Background Crohn’s disease is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, discontinuous inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike ulcerative colitis, which progresses continuously from the rectum to the cecum, Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, with a predilection for the terminal ileum and proximal colon. Typical symptoms include chronic diarrhea and recurrent abdominal pain, though some patients first present with complications or extraintestinal manifestations [1]. Anemia and elevated C-reactive protein may be observed [2]. Fecal...
Read more Findings and procedure details Ultrasound (US) is a valuable non-invasive, radiation-free, and readily accessible imaging modality that plays a crucial role in the initial assessment and follow-up of Crohn's disease activity. Its affordability and portability make it particularly useful for frequent monitoring [6, 7]. In active Crohn's disease, US can reveal characteristic features such as small bowel wall thickening, often exceeding 3mm, and increased bowel wall hyperemia, which can be visualized using color Doppler ultrasound. [fig 1] The presence of free intraperitoneal fluid, indicative of...
Read more Conclusion Both US and CT play crucial roles in detecting Crohn’s disease complications. US is a radiation-free, cost-effective, and dynamic tool ideal for superficial complications and disease monitoring, while CT provides superior spatial resolution, making it the preferred choice for evaluating deep-seated and complex complications. The optimal imaging approach should be tailored to the clinical scenario, balancing diagnostic precision, patient safety, and long-term monitoring needs.
Read more References [1] Feuerstein and Cheifetz, “ Crohn Disease: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management”, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Volume 92, Issue 7, 2017[2] Vermeire S, Van Assche G, Rutgeerts P. “Laboratory markers in IBD: useful, magic, or unnecessary toys?” Gut. 2006[3] Waugh N, Cummins E, Royle P, Kandala NB, Shyangdan D, Arasaradnam R, Clar C, Johnston R. “Faecal calprotectin testing for differentiating amongst inflammatory and non-inflammatory bowel diseases: systematic review and economic evaluation”. Health Technol Assess. 2013[4] Mow, W. S., & Abreu, M. T....
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