Value of MR enterography in assessment of Crohn’s disease: Correlation with capsule endoscopy and colonoscopy

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Enterography (MRE) in determining site, extent and complications of Crohn’s disease, in correlation with capsule endoscopic and colonoscopy findings. Patients and methods: We performed an observational prospective study for 30 patients with suspected Crohn’s disease or already diagnosed patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). Bowel inflammatory changes were analyzed for each involved bowel segment. Associated lymph nodes, abscesses, and fistulas were also evaluated. Results: MRE was diagnostic for small bowel inflammatory changes with sensitivity and specificity values of 76% and 90% respectively as compared to 80% and 88% for capsule endoscopy, with an overall accuracy of 83% as compared to capsule endoscopy. For large bowel inflammatory changes, MRE showed sensitivity and specificity values of 82% and 80% respectively as compared to 84% and 85% for colonoscopy, with an overall accuracy of 81% as compared to colonoscopy. All severely inflamed segments were correctly identified, and there were no false positive findings in this study. Conclusion: MRE is practicable, non-invasive and provides additional information regarding areas not accessible with endoscopy.

Keywords

• MRI
• Enterography
• Crohn’s disease