E-ISSN: 1305-3612
Magnetic resonance enterography in Crohn's disease: techniques, interpretation, and utilization for clinical management
PDF
Cite
Share
Request
Abdominal Imaging - Review
VOLUME: 18 ISSUE: 4
P: 374-386
July 2012

Magnetic resonance enterography in Crohn's disease: techniques, interpretation, and utilization for clinical management

Diagn Interv Radiol 2012;18(4):374-386
DOI: 10.4261/1305-3825.DIR.4893-11.2
Diego R. Martin, 1
Bobby Kalb 1
Cary G. Sauer 2
Adina Alazraki 3
Steve Goldschmid 4
1. Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, USA
2. Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
3. Department of Radiology Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
4. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona School of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, USA
No information available.
No information available
Received Date: 13.10.2011
Accepted Date: 03.11.2011
PDF
Cite
Share
Request

ABSTRACT

Crohn's disease treatment has improved significantly with the development of immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory agents, while surgery remains an important option in selected patients. However, a relative lag in diagnostics has become apparent with a growing need for the capacity to noninvasively and safely evaluate the tissue changes of Crohn's disease within the bowel wall and deeper tissues. We have noted marked technical improvements in magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) and in our understanding of the different facets of Crohn's disease that can be elucidated by optimized MRE, in contrast to other diagnostics. This review will provide an integrated understanding of MRE related to other available tests and recommendations for the optimal use of MRE for the clinical management of Crohn's disease. We will review the relative strengths and limitations of MRE as applied to clinical evaluation and therapeutic decisions, including the use of the unique capacity to delineate active inflammation and fibrosis in the submucosal and deeper enteric tissues, which is beyond the diagnostic reach of endoscopy and biopsy.