Poster (15W209)
The Importance of MRI Small Bowel Follow Through in Crohns disease Work-up
Author(s)
Dr Padraic Mc Donagh, Dr Nik Affendi, Dr Brian Egan
Department(s)/Institutions
Mayo General Hospital
Introduction
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the modalities used in evaluating and diagnosing small bowel involvement in crohn’s disease. It has advantages over computed tomography imaging in that there is no radiation exposure, Gadolinium is less allergenic than iodine and MRI imaging can be carried out safely in pregnancy. The aim of the study is to highlight the importance of MRI small bowel in the work up of patients with confirmed or suspected crohn's disease. This was achieved by evaluating the number MRI small bowel studies carried out, the indications for which they were requested and the percentage that revealed potentially significant small bowel pathology.
Aims/Background
This retrospective analysis looked at 89 MRI small bowel studies that were performed between 1st January and 31st July 2015 in Mayo General Hospital. The indication for which the MRI small bowel was requested and the number of clinically relevant findings were analysed. Patient demographics were also recorded. The department requesting the MRI was divided into: Gastroenterology, Surgery and other.
Results
This retrospective analysis looked at 89 MRI small bowel studies that were performed between 1st January and 31st July 2015 in Mayo General Hospital. The indication for which the MRI small bowel was requested and the number of clinically relevant findings were analysed. Patient demographics were also recorded. The department requesting the MRI was divided into: Gastroenterology, Surgery and other.
Conclusions
The advantages of MR imaging make it well suited for the evaluation of small-bowel disorders. MRI can provide excellent anatomic and functional information without the need for ionizing radiation. MRI SBFT is a very useful tool in evaluating patients with (or suspected to have) crohn’s disease. MRI is a sensitive and non-invasive modality that allows evaluation of the small bowel. In this study 35% of MRIs performed revealed significant small bowel involvements, this can have implications on the treatment initiated and can support starting with a more aggressive treatment regimen.
