Ultrasound Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ultrasound, including details on screening, diagnosis, pregnancy, detection.

Activity of Crohn disease: value of Color-Power-Doppler and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography.

Robotti D, Cammarota T, Debani P, Sarno A, Astegiano M

Department of Radiology, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, Via Cherasco 23, 10126 Torino, Italy.

Diagnosis and follow-up of Crohn disease (CD) often require invasive instrumental examinations, with a high risk of iatrogenic damage. Ultrasound (US) examination of bowel walls could be the first choice in managing patients with CD. We evaluated the role of tissue color power Doppler (CPD) and B-mode US with intravenous injection of contrast medium in the detection of disease activity. In our series, 52 patients with CD underwent US examination. Each study was completed with tissue CPD and US with intravenous injection of contrast medium (Sono Vue) to evaluate intestinal wall vascularization as an index of disease activity. We then compared our results with those from clinical and laboratory tests and follow-up. Data from US examination with intravenous injection of Sono Vue partly agreed with clinical and laboratory tests and CPD in disease activity evaluation but were most useful in the follow-up. Bowel US examination associated with CPD and in particular US contrast medium injection can be used to detect CD activity and modulate therapy and follow-up.

Published 2 November 2004 in Abdom Imaging, 29(6): 648-52.
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