Diagnostic performance of intestinal ultrasound compared with CT enterography in Crohn’s disease: single-center experience

The study conducted a retrospective single-center analysis to evaluate the diagnostic performance of transabdominal bowel ultrasonography (TBUS) compared with computed tomography enterography (CTE) in identifying intestinal lesions and complications in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract and is often associated with complications such as intestinal wall thickening, stenosis, fistulas, and abdominal abscesses. Accurate imaging is critical for diagnosis, monitoring, and long-term follow-up in these patients.

Key Findings:

1. Diagnostic Accuracy of TBUS vs. CTE:

• TBUS demonstrated comparable diagnostic accuracy to CTE for detecting diseased bowel segments, intestinal wall abnormalities, and complications such as stenosis, fistulas, and abdominal abscesses.
• TBUS effectively visualized bowel wall thickness, layered structure, vascular changes, and extraintestinal complications.
• Diagnostic interpretations of TBUS showed strong consistency between different observers, indicating its reliability.

2. Postoperative Assessment:

• TBUS remained effective in patients who had undergone prior intestinal surgery, highlighting its utility in postoperative follow-up.

3. Advantages of TBUS:

• Non-invasive: TBUS does not require radiation exposure, making it safer than CTE, particularly for long-term disease monitoring.
• Repeatable: TBUS can be performed frequently without concerns about radiation or invasive procedures.
• Practical for Long-Term Monitoring: TBUS is well-suited for ongoing assessment and follow-up, as it can detect disease progression and complications over time.
• Extraintestinal Complications: TBUS showed strengths in identifying complications outside the intestine, which may guide clinical decision-making.

4. Clinical Utility:

• TBUS proved to be a valuable imaging tool for routine practice and long-term disease management in Crohn’s disease patients.
• Its ability to provide detailed imaging without the risks associated with CTE makes it an attractive option for clinicians.

Conclusion:

The study concludes that transabdominal bowel ultrasonography is a highly useful diagnostic tool for Crohn’s disease, offering performance comparable to CT enterography while providing significant advantages in safety, flexibility, and practicality. TBUS is especially beneficial for long-term monitoring, postoperative follow-up, and identifying extraintestinal complications, making it a preferred imaging modality in routine clinical practice for Crohn’s disease management.