MR enteroclysis for diagnosis of small bowel diseases

The latest Digestive Diseases and Sciences reports that MR enteroclysis detects pathology in most patients showing a very good clinical correlation, and encourages its use as a primary tool in small bowel diseases.

MR enteroclysis is becoming a very important imaging modality in the workup and follow-up of small bowel diseases.

The technique has many advantages, including the absence of ionizing radiation, ability to control luminal distension, and superior tissue characterization.

Other advantages of this technique includes multiplanar capabilities, and mural and extramural visualization.

In 14 patients MR enteroclysis data altered the therapeutic strategy

Digestive Diseases and Sciences

Dr Bart Wiarda and colleagues from the Netherlands report that these capabilities can be obtained with a simple protocol.

The investigators report that this protocol shows excellent agreement with conventional enteroclysis.

The investigative team detected pathology in 29 of 50 patients, showing a very good clinical correlation.

The researchers noted that of the 29 patients, 18 had new or known Crohn's disease.

In 14 patients MR enteroclysis data altered the therapeutic strategy.

Dr Wiarda's team concludes, “These findings contribute to the acceptance of this modality as a primary tool in small bowel diseases.”