| [ Summary ] |
Ultrasonography (US) is noninvasive and convenient for assessing bowel inflammation due to Crohn's disease. Recently, advanced digital technologies have begun to provide high resolution images in the B-mode, and can be used to visualize transmural bowel inflammation. High resolution US, performed by experienced examiners is useful to detect extramural complications such as fistulae or abscess. By applying color/power Doppler ultrasonography (CD-US), increased vascularization of inflamed bowel segments can be observed. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CE-US), with a low mechanical index, provides images of capillary perfusion of the bowel wall, and may be valuable in determining the grade of fibrosis within strictures. Findings obtained with CD-US or CE-US may help to determine the therapeutic effects of anti-TNF-α antibodies, and can complement other modalities. Although US is not a modality which can be used to obtain mucosal healing or transmural bowel healing, it can be employed for early detection. |