| [ Summary ] |
Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease of the small intestine requires comprehensive evaluation based on a detailed medical history, biochemical and bacteriological examination of the blood, serological and genetic assessment, as well as imaging studies. Because the small intestine is located between the stomach and the large intestine and is a very long and tortuous organ, it is difficult to approach endoscopically. However, the introduction of capsule and balloon-assisted endoscopy has facilitated accurate and easy observation of the entire small intestine. The lesions of Crohn's disease involving the small intestine often show a segmental and asynchronous distribution in addition to extra-intestinal involvement/manifestations. Therefore, it is important that the entire abdomen be assessed using cross-sectional imaging such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. In addition to considering other symptoms, the diagnosis of small intestinal inflammatory bowel disease should be based on a thorough evaluation of the morphology, as well as the distribution of lesions. |