| Theme |
Therapeutic strategy for Crohn's disease -- Should mucosal healing be a final goal? |
| Title |
CT entrography and MR entrography |
| Author |
Makoto Naganuma |
Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University |
| Author |
Mamoru Watanabe |
Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University |
| [ Summary ] |
Recently, multiple imaging techniques, such as balloon assisted enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy have been established as being efficacious for patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are noninvasive techniques for diagnosis of perienteric inflammation associated with CD. Recently, CT and MR enterography have been developed to detect mucosal and mural inflammation in the small and large intestines. While CTE is superior to MRE in terms of image quality, no significant differences in sensitivity or specificity between CTE or MRE have been noted for detection of CD lesions. Because MRE is accompanied by minimal risks and no radiation exposure, it may be useful in confirming improvement of CD lesions in both the large and small bowel as a result of intensive treatments, such as administration of infliximab. |