1
|
Tagliamonte G, Santagata F, Fraquelli M. Current Developments and Role of Intestinal Ultrasound including the Advent of AI. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:759. [PMID: 38611672 PMCID: PMC11011653 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14070759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Intestinal ultrasound is a non-invasive, safe, and cost-effective technique to study the small and large intestines. In addition to conventional B-mode and color doppler imaging, new US tools have been developed in more recent years that provide auxiliary data on many GI conditions, improving the diagnosis and assessment of relevant outcomes. We have reviewed the more recent literature (from 2010 onwards) on auxiliary tools in bowel ultrasound such as elastography techniques, CEUS, SICUS, and the potential contribution by artificial intelligence (AI) to overcome current intestinal ultrasound limitations. For this scoping review, we performed an extensive literature search on PubMed and EMBASE to identify studies published until December 2023 and investigating the application of elastography techniques, CEUS, SICUS, and AI in the ultrasonographic assessment of the small and large intestines. Multiparametric intestinal ultrasound shows promising capabilities in Crohn's disease, while less is known about the role in ulcerative colitis. Despite some evidence, the CEUS role as a point-of-care examination tool for rare conditions such as intestinal GvHD and ischemic small bowel disease seems promising, possibly avoiding the need to perform further cross-sectional imaging. The use of AI in intestinal ultrasound is still anecdotical and limited to acute appendicitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Tagliamonte
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.T.); (F.S.)
| | - Fabrizio Santagata
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.T.); (F.S.)
| | - Mirella Fraquelli
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lovett GC, Schulberg JD, Hamilton AL, Wilding HE, Kamm MA, Wright EK. Intestinal Ultrasound and MRI for Monitoring Therapeutic Response in Luminal Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review. J Am Coll Radiol 2024; 21:441-463. [PMID: 37852561 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2023.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cross-sectional imaging facilitates the assessment of transmural healing in patients with Crohn's disease. This systematic review addresses the utility of MRI and intestinal ultrasound (IUS) in the assessment of disease activity in response to drug therapy compared with endoscopy in patients with luminal Crohn's disease. METHODS Database searches were undertaken using predefined terms. Studies with ≥10 patients with luminal Crohn's disease with paired endoscopy and imaging (MRI or IUS) after treatment initiation were included. Publications were identified through searches of six bibliographic databases, all run on June 24, 2022. Records were screened on title and abstract, then full text, by two independent reviewers. RESULTS In total, 5,760 records were identified, with 24 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Ten studies examined IUS and found good correlation between IUS and endoscopic remission (κ = 0.63-0.73). Early reduction in bowel wall thickness at 4 to 8 weeks predicted endoscopic response at 12 to 38 weeks (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.77; odds ratio, 10.8; P = .01). Twelve studies examined MRI, with the Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity score having high accuracy for predicting endoscopic remission (AUROC, 0.97; sensitivity, 93%; specificity, 77%). A Simplified Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity score cutoff of ≥1 identifies active endoscopic disease (AUROC, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-0.95; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS IUS and MRI are both reliable, noninvasive modalities for assessing transmural healing in patients with Crohn's disease and are accurate in monitoring the response to drug therapy. These modalities can be used to monitor response to biologic induction therapy, with early changes predictive of response to treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace C Lovett
- Department of Gastroenterology, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Julien D Schulberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amy L Hamilton
- Department of Gastroenterology, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Helen E Wilding
- Library Service, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael A Kamm
- Professor of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Emily K Wright
- Associate Professor of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dietrich CF, Correas JM, Cui XW, Dong Y, Havre RF, Jenssen C, Jung EM, Krix M, Lim A, Lassau N, Piscaglia F. EFSUMB Technical Review - Update 2023: Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (DCE-CEUS) for the Quantification of Tumor Perfusion. ULTRASCHALL IN DER MEDIZIN (STUTTGART, GERMANY : 1980) 2024; 45:36-46. [PMID: 37748503 DOI: 10.1055/a-2157-2587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) is a technique to quantify tissue perfusion based on phase-specific enhancement after the injection of microbubble contrast agents for diagnostic ultrasound. The guidelines of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) published in 2004 and updated in 2008, 2011, and 2020 focused on the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), including essential technical requirements, training, investigational procedures and steps, guidance regarding image interpretation, established and recommended clinical indications, and safety considerations. However, the quantification of phase-specific enhancement patterns acquired with ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) is not discussed here. The purpose of this EFSUMB Technical Review is to further establish a basis for the standardization of DCE-US focusing on treatment monitoring in oncology. It provides some recommendations and descriptions as to how to quantify dynamic ultrasound contrast enhancement, and technical explanations for the analysis of time-intensity curves (TICs). This update of the 2012 EFSUMB introduction to DCE-US includes clinical aspects for data collection, analysis, and interpretation that have emerged from recent studies. The current study not only aims to support future work in this research field but also to facilitate a transition to clinical routine use of DCE-US.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph F Dietrich
- Department General Internal Medicine, Kliniken Hirslanden Beau Site, Salem und Permanence, Bern, Switzerland
- Zentrum der Inneren Medizin, Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universitätsklinik Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jean-Michel Correas
- Department of Adult Radiology, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Necker University Hospital, Paris, France
- Paris Cité University, Paris, France
- CNRS, INSERM Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Xin-Wu Cui
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Roald Flesland Havre
- Department of Medicine, National Centre for Ultrasound in Gastroenterology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christian Jenssen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Krankenhaus Märkisch Oderland Strausberg/ Wriezen, Wriezen, Germany
- Brandenburg Institute for Clinical Ultrasound (BICUS), Medical University Brandenburg, Neuruppin, Brandenburg, Germany
| | - Ernst Michael Jung
- Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, Interdisciplinary Ultrasound Department, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin Krix
- Global Medical & Regulatory Affairs, Bracco Imaging, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Adrian Lim
- Department of Imaging, Imperial College London and Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Nathalie Lassau
- Imaging Department. Gustave Roussy cancer Campus. Villejuif, France. BIOMAPS. UMR 1281. CEA. CNRS. INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, France
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Dept of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mignini I, Maresca R, Ainora ME, Larosa L, Scaldaferri F, Gasbarrini A, Zocco MA. Predicting Treatment Response in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Cross-Sectional Imaging Markers. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5933. [PMID: 37762874 PMCID: PMC10532020 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12185933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic options for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have largely expanded in the last decades, both in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, including multiple biological drugs targeting different inflammation pathways. However, choosing the best treatment and timing for each patient is still an undeniable challenge for IBD physicians due to the marked heterogeneity among patients and disease behavior. Therefore, early prediction of the response to biological drugs becomes of utmost importance, allowing prompt optimization of therapeutic strategies and thus paving the way towards precision medicine. In such a context, researchers have recently focused on cross-sectional imaging techniques (intestinal ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance enterography) in order to identify predictive markers of response or non-response to biologic therapies. In this review, we aim to summarize data about imaging factors that may early predict disease behavior during biological treatment, potentially helping to define more precise and patient-tailored strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Mignini
- CEMAD Digestive Diseases Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (I.M.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Rossella Maresca
- CEMAD Digestive Diseases Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (I.M.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Maria Elena Ainora
- CEMAD Digestive Diseases Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (I.M.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Luigi Larosa
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Franco Scaldaferri
- CEMAD Digestive Diseases Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (I.M.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- CEMAD Digestive Diseases Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (I.M.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Maria Assunta Zocco
- CEMAD Digestive Diseases Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (I.M.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Paratore M, Garcovich M, Ainora ME, Riccardi L, Gasbarrini A, Zocco MA. Dynamic contrast enhanced ultrasound in gastrointestinal diseases: A current trend or an indispensable tool? World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:4021-4035. [PMID: 37476588 PMCID: PMC10354578 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i25.4021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been widely implemented in clinical practice because of the enormous quantity of information it provides, along with its low cost, reproducibility, minimal invasiveness, and safety of the second-generation ultrasound contrast agents. To overcome the limitation of CEUS given by the subjective evaluation of the contrast enhancement behaviour, quantitative analysis of contrast kinetics with generation of time-intensity curves has been introduced in recent years. The quantification of perfusion parameters [named as dynamic-CEUS (D-CEUS)] has several applications in gastrointestinal neoplastic and inflammatory disorders. However, the limited availability of large studies and the heterogeneity of the technologies employed have precluded the standardisation of D-CEUS, which potentially represents a valuable tool for clinical practice in management of gastrointestinal diseases. In this article, we reviewed the evidence exploring the application of D-CEUS in gastrointestinal diseases, with a special focus on liver, pancreas, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Paratore
- Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Matteo Garcovich
- Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Ainora
- Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Laura Riccardi
- Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Zocco
- Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Manzotti C, Colombo F, Zurleni T, Danelli P, Maconi G. Prognostic role of intestinal ultrasound in Crohn’s disease. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:3595-3605. [PMID: 37398888 PMCID: PMC10311616 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i23.3595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of patients affected by Crohn’s disease (CD) develop a chronic condition with persistent inflammation and relapses that may cause progressive and irreversible damage to the bowel, resulting in stricturing or penetrating complications in around 50% of patients during the natural history of the disease. Surgery is frequently needed to treat complicated disease when pharmacological therapy failes, with a high risk of repeated operations in time. Intestinal ultrasound (IUS), a non-invasive, cost-effective, radiation free and reproducible method for the diagnosis and follow-up of CD, in expert hands, allow a precise assessment of all the disease manifestations: Bowel characteristics, retrodilation, wrapping fat, fistulas and abscesses. Moreover, IUS is able to assess bowel wall thickness, bowel wall stratification (echo-pattern), vascularization and elasticity, as well as mesenteric hypertrophy, lymph-nodes and mesenteric blood flow. Its role in the disease evaluation and behaviour description is well assessed in literature, but less is known about the potential space of IUS as predictor of prognostic factors suggesting response to a medical treatment or postoperative recurrence. The availability of a low cost exam as IUS, able to recognize which patients are more likely to respond to a specific therapy and which patients are at high risk of surgery or complications, could be a very useful instrument in the hands of IBD physician. The aim of this review is to present current evidence about the prognostic role that IUS can show in predicting response to treatment, disease progression, risk of surgery and risk of post-surgical recurrence in CD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Manzotti
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, L.Sacco University Hospital, Milano 20157, Italy
| | - Francesco Colombo
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, L.Sacco University Hospital, Milano 20157, Italy
| | - Tommaso Zurleni
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, L.Sacco University Hospital, Milano 20157, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio Danelli
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, L.Sacco University Hospital, Milano 20157, Italy
| | - Giovanni Maconi
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, L.Sacco University Hospital, Milano 20157, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Diagnostic accuracy of different cross-sectional imaging techniques for disease location and activity in Crohn's disease and external validation and comparison of MARIAs and IBUS-SAS. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2023; 48:821-832. [PMID: 36525049 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-022-03751-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The comparative accuracy of cross-sectional imaging techniques for evaluating Crohn's disease (CD) remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess diagnostic accuracy of disease location and activity in different cross-sectional images and validate and compare International Bowel Ultrasound Segmental Activity Score (IBUS-SAS) and Simplified Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity (MARIAs). METHODS CD patients were retrospectively included from August 2018 to May 2021. We compared accuracy of B-mode intestinal ultrasound (B-IUS), computed tomography enterography (CTE), and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) for the identification of disease location. Meanwhile, disease activity was compared on B-IUS, color Doppler imaging, CTE, and MRE. ROC analyses were used to validate MARIAs and IBUS-SAS. Spearman rank correlation was performed to evaluate the relationships between MARIAs/IBUS-SAS and CDAI, SES-CD, and inflammatory indicators. RESULTS A total of 115 CD patients were evaluated. The diagnostic accuracy of MRE in detecting small bowel disease was superior to that of B-IUS/CTE, showing sensitivity (89.3%), specificity (71.4%), and AUC (0.820). B-IUS had the highest sensitivity (81.2%), specificity (84.8%), and AUC (0.830) for detecting terminal ileal lesions. The diagnostic accuracy for colonic disease and disease activity was not significantly different among these techniques. In the validation of IBUS-SAS, the AUC was 0.860, with an optimal cutoff value to predict active disease of 46.7. MARIAs and IBUS-SAS showed no significant differences in the correlations of CDAI, SES-CD, and inflammatory indicators. CONCLUSION MRE and B-IUS are more sensitive for detecting small bowel CD and terminal ileal CD, respectively. IBUS-SAS has potential for precisely defining CD activity.
Collapse
|
8
|
Bohra A, Van Langenberg DR, Vasudevan A. Intestinal Ultrasound in the Assessment of Luminal Crohn’s Disease. GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS 2022; 4:249-262. [DOI: 10.3390/gidisord4040024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Expert guidelines now recommend regular objective assessments as part of a treat-to-target approach. Intestinal ultrasound provides a noninvasive, patient-friendly modality for assessing Crohn’s disease without the risk of radiation exposure and does not require fasting or bowel preparation. Enhancement techniques, including oral and intravenous contrast, can improve disease-activity and complication detection. Due to its acceptability, intestinal ultrasound can be performed frequently, allowing for closer disease-activity monitoring and treatment adjustments. There have been significant advances in the utility of intestinal ultrasound; particularly for assessing disease activity during pregnancy and fibrosis detection utilising elastography. This review provides a comprehensive overview of performing intestinal ultrasound, the diagnostic accuracy, role in disease-activity monitoring, and recent advances in utilising ultrasound for the assessment of luminal Crohn’s disease.
Collapse
|
9
|
Role of Multiparametric Intestinal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Response to Biologic Therapy in Adults with Crohn’s Disease. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12081991. [PMID: 36010341 PMCID: PMC9407413 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12081991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Crohn’s disease is one of the two most common types of inflammatory bowel disease. Current medical therapies are based on the use of glucocorticoids, exclusive enteral nutrition, immunosuppressors such as azathioprine and methotrexate, and biological agents such as infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, or ustekinumab. International guidelines suggest regular disease assessment and surveillance through objective instruments to adjust and personalize the therapy, reducing the overall rates of hospitalization and surgery. Although endoscopy represents the gold-standard for surveillance, its frequent use is strongly bordered by associated risks and costs. Consequently, alternative non-invasive tools to objectify disease activity and rule active inflammation out are emerging. Alongside laboratory exams and computed tomography or magnetic resonance enterography, intestinal ultrasonography (IUS) shows to be a valid choice to assess transmural inflammation and to detect transmural healing, defined as bowel wall thickness normalization, no hypervascularization, normal stratification, and no creeping fat. Compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography, CT scan, IUS is cheaper and more widespread, with very similar accuracy. Furthermore, share wave elastography, color Doppler, and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) succeed in amplifying the capacity to determine the disease location, disease activity, and complications. This review aimed to discuss the role of standard and novel ultrasound techniques such as CEUS, SICUS, or share wave elastography in adults with Crohn’s disease, mainly for therapeutic monitoring and follow-up.
Collapse
|
10
|
Gergely M, Deepak P. Tools for the Diagnosis and Management of Crohn's Disease. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2022; 51:213-239. [PMID: 35595412 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Numerous tools have emerged over recent decades to aid in the increasingly complex management of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) beyond endoscopy, including video capsule endoscopy, magnetic resonance enterography, computed tomography enterography, a variety of biomarkers, and even wearable biosensors and smartphone applications. These tools have allowed for a more sophisticated and less invasive complementary approach to the evaluation of disease activity and treatment response in patients with CD. This article details the characteristics, practical application, and limitations of these various modalities and discusses how updated guidelines are now incorporating many of them into a treat-to-target strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maté Gergely
- Division of Gastroenterology, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Center, Washington University School of Medicine, 600 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8124, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Parakkal Deepak
- Division of Gastroenterology, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Center, Washington University School of Medicine, 600 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8124, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
de Voogd F, Bots S, Gecse K, Gilja OH, D’Haens G, Nylund K. Intestinal Ultrasound Early on in Treatment Follow-up Predicts Endoscopic Response to Anti-TNFα Treatment in Crohn's Disease. J Crohns Colitis 2022; 16:1598-1608. [PMID: 35639823 PMCID: PMC9624292 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjac072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess treatment response, objective measures are superior to clinical improvement in Crohn's disease [CD]. Intestinal ultrasound [IUS] is an attractive, non-invasive alternative to endoscopy, demonstrating early transmural changes after treatment initiation. Therefore, we investigated IUS and contrast-enhanced ultrasound [CEUS] to predict [early] endoscopic treatment response. METHODS Consecutive patients with endoscopically active CD, starting anti-TNFα therapy, were included. Clinical, biochemical, IUS, and CEUS parameters at baseline [T0], after 4-8 weeks [T1] and 12-34 weeks [T2] were collected. The most severely inflamed segment at endoscopy (highest segmental Simplified Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease [SES-CD]) and IUS (highest segmental bowel wall thickness [BWT]) was identified. At T2, endoscopic response [decrease in SES-CD ≥ 50%] and remission [SES-CD = 0] were scored. RESULTS A total of 40 patients were included: 14 reached endoscopic remission and 17 endoscopic response. At T1 (3.1 mm [1.9-4.2] vs 5.3 mm [3.8-6.9], p = 0.005) and T2 (2.0 mm [1.8-3.1] vs 5.1 [3.0-6.3] mm, p = 0.002) BWT was lower in patients with endoscopic remission. At T1 and T2, 18% (area under the receiver operating curve [AUROC]: 0.77; odds ratio [OR]: 10.80, p = 0.012) and 29% [AUROC: 0.833; OR: 37.50, p = 0.006] BWT decrease predicted endoscopic response, respectively. To determine endoscopic remission, BWT 3.2 mm was most accurate [AUROC: 0.94; OR: 39.42, p < 0.0001] at T2. In addition, absence of colour Doppler signal [OR: 13.76, p = 0.03] and the CEUS parameter wash-out rate [OR: 0.76, p = 0.019] improved the prediction model. CONCLUSIONS Reduction in BWT, already after 4-8 weeks of follow-up, predicted endoscopic response and remission. CEUS parameters were of limited value. Furthermore, we have provided accurate cut-offs for BWT reflecting endoscopic response and remission at different time points.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F de Voogd
- Corresponding author: Floris de Voogd, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | | | - K Gecse
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - O H Gilja
- National Centre of Ultrasound in Gastroenterology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - G D’Haens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K Nylund
- National Centre of Ultrasound in Gastroenterology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Calavrezos L, Bannas P, Warncke M, Wiegard C, Huber S, Manthey C. Transabdominal Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Enterography in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results of an Observational Retrospective Single-Center Study. Ultrasound Int Open 2022; 8:E22-E28. [PMID: 36172490 PMCID: PMC9512590 DOI: 10.1055/a-1781-4410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose
Transabdominal ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance enterography
(MRE) are used to assess disease activity and extent in IBD, but their impact on
therapeutic decisions is unclear. Therefore, our study has two goals: to compare
the usefulness of US and MRE in assessing disease extent and activity in the
small and large bowel, and to determine the relevance for clinical decisions in
IBD.
Materials and Methods
We included 54 IBD patients who had undergone both
MRE and US within three months. We used the construct reference standard model
to compare MRE and US for detecting inflammation and examined the impact on
clinical decisions in IBD patients.
Results
In 54 IBD patients (44 patients Crohn’s disease (CD), 5
ulcerative colitis (UC), 5 indeterminate colitis (IC)), 42 patients
(77.8%) showed inflammation either in the small or large bowel. Small
bowel disease was present in 34 patients (77.3%). Complications were
found in 19 patients (35.2%). MRE and US both showed high sensitivity
(90.5 and 88.1%) and moderate specificity (50% in MRE and US)
for detecting inflammation. MRE revealed higher sensitivity than US for
detecting conglomerate tumors without statistical significance (85.7 vs.
71.4%, p=1.0) and equal specificity (97.9 vs 97.7,
p=1.0). Therapeutic decisions included steroids in 20 patients
(47.6%) and surgery/percutaneous drainage in six patients
(14.3%), these decisions were triggered by results of US or MRE in equal
distribution.
Conclusion
US and MRE have comparable sensitivity and specificity for
detecting intestinal inflammation and complications in IBD patients. Therefore,
both methods are sufficient for making clinical decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lenika Calavrezos
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter Bannas
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf Center for Diagnostics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malte Warncke
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf Center for Diagnostics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christiane Wiegard
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Samuel Huber
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Manthey
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|