P061 VALUE OF US AND MRE IMAGES IN THE DIAGNOSTICS OF ACTIVE CROHN’S DISEASE IN CHILDREN
Abstract Introduction Crohn’s disease is classified as chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The incidence of it in Europe ranges from 1 to almost 11.4 per 100,000 population per year. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance enterography examinations play an important role in imaging diagnostics of inflammatory bowel lesions. They allow for recognising and monitoring changes during therapy as well as assessing complications such as fistula or abscess. Materials and Methods 36 children were included in the study: 16 boys and 20 girls with an active phase of Crohn’s disease. Each patient underwent intestinal ultrasound examination with a high frequency 7–12 Mhz linear probe and MRE with intravenous administration of a contrast agent. Results All patients showed a significant correlation between ultrasound and MRE. In the US examination all children had thickened, low echogenic wall showing varying degrees of vascular flow signals. Additionally, in 8 patients Bauhin’ valve edema was visible. In 16 children, inflammatory infiltration of the periintestinal fat around the affected segment of the intestine was found. In all patients a mesenteric lymphadenopathy in the short axis of 10-15mm was visible. MRE confirmed the presence of the confirmed ideal lesions and Bauhin’ valve edema in all 36 children. In addition, in 4 patients small intestine fistulas were found whereas abscess was observed in another 4 patients. In contrast-enhanced images, a vivid enhancement of the affected bowel section was revealed and in 10 children inflammatory reactions of peri-intestinal fat was demonstrated. Conclusion US and MRE are reliable tools in diagnosis of enteric inflammatory disease of the small intestine, evaluation of disease activity and assessment of potential complications. They are complementary elements in diagnostics of Crohn’s disease.