Doppler activity and ultrasonographic detection of intra-abdominal fistulas are predictors of surgery in crohn ’s disease.

BAKGROUND AND AIM: Predictors of the need for surgery in Sticturing Crohn ’s Disease (SCD) are lacking. Bowel ultrasound (US) is a harmless, non-invasive and inexpensive diagnostic procedure that has proven to be a valuable tool in the management of Crohn’s Disease. Our aim was to identify ultrasonographic findings in SCD that may associate with a higher risk of surge ry, allowing us to make early choices regarding treatment election in this specific group of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, case-control study. 24 patients diagnosed with SCD between 2013 and 2017 with a past history of stricture-related surgery were included and then matched with 46 non-operated controls. Prior US from patients in both groups were analyzed. US features considered for analysis were: bowel wall thickness, degree of parietal vascularization (measured by doppler activity), prestenotic dilation, involvement of mesenteric fat and newly-detected concomitant fistula e or abscess. RESULTS: Doppler activity (p
Source: Digestive Diseases - Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research