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Barchi A, Dal Buono A, D’Amico F, Furfaro F, Zilli A, Fiorino G, Parigi TL, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Danese S, Allocca M. Leaving behind the Mucosa: Advances and Future Directions of Intestinal Ultrasound in Ulcerative Colitis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7569. [PMID: 38137644 PMCID: PMC10744120 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247569] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), mainly Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD), are disorders characterized by chronic inflammation with severe morbidity and long-term disabling quality of life outcomes. UC mainly affects the mucosal and sub-mucosal layers of the colon, without embracing the peri-intestinal structures. Considering the predominant mucosal location of UC inflammation, the implementation of transmural evaluation by cross-sectional imaging techniques, mainly Intestinal Ultrasound (IUS), has been left behind for ages, especially if compared to CD. Nevertheless, studies analyzing intestinal ultrasound parameters accuracy in disease activity detection reported a good-to-optimal correlation of IUS markers with colonic inflammation, suggesting comparable feasibility of IUS monitoring in UC as in CD. The easy-to-use, costless and point-of-care available status of IUS is therefore crucial in order to improve the diagnostic process and, according to the recent literature, to monitor the response to treatment leading to speeding up decision making and therapy adjustments. Recent studies have demonstrated the correlation between transmural healing in UC with favorable outcomes even in the long term. An evidence gap still exists in the assessment of the rectum, with trans-perineal ultrasound (TPUS) a potential answer to reach a more precise evaluation of rectal inflammation. Eventually, IUS is also increasingly showing promises in emergent or post-surgical UC settings, considering various efforts put in line to demonstrate its feasibility in predicting response to salvage therapy for surgery avoidance and in studying inflammation relapse after procto-colectomy with ileo-pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) creation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Barchi
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (A.B.); (F.D.); (F.F.); (A.Z.); (G.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Arianna Dal Buono
- IBD Center, Humanitas Research Hospital-IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy;
| | - Ferdinando D’Amico
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (A.B.); (F.D.); (F.F.); (A.Z.); (G.F.); (S.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Furfaro
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (A.B.); (F.D.); (F.F.); (A.Z.); (G.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Alessandra Zilli
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (A.B.); (F.D.); (F.F.); (A.Z.); (G.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Gionata Fiorino
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (A.B.); (F.D.); (F.F.); (A.Z.); (G.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Tommaso Lorenzo Parigi
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (A.B.); (F.D.); (F.F.); (A.Z.); (G.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet
- Department of Gastroenterology and Inserm NGERE U1256, University Hospital of Nancy, University of Lorraine, 54500 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France;
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nancy University Hospital, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- INFINY Institute, Nancy University Hospital, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- Federation Hospitalo-Univeristaire-CURE, Nancy University Hospital, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- Groupe Hospitalier Privé Ambroise Paré-Hartmann, Paris IBD Center, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Silvio Danese
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (A.B.); (F.D.); (F.F.); (A.Z.); (G.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Mariangela Allocca
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (A.B.); (F.D.); (F.F.); (A.Z.); (G.F.); (S.D.)
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Allocca M, Dell'Avalle C, Furfaro F, Zilli A, D'Amico F, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Fiorino G, Danese S. Early Intestinal Ultrasound Predicts Long-Term Endoscopic Response to Biologics in Ulcerative Colitis. J Crohns Colitis 2023; 17:1579-1586. [PMID: 37084137 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjad071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The Milan ultrasound criteria [MUC] is a validated score to assess endoscopic activity in ulcerative colitis [UC]. MUC > 6.2 detects Mayo endoscopic score [MES] > 1. In this study we evaluated the predictive value of MUC for biologic treatment response, using colonoscopy [CS] as a reference standard. METHODS Consecutive UC patients starting biologic therapy were included, and underwent CS, IUS, clinical assessment and faecal calprotectin [FC] measurement at baseline and within 1 year. In addition, IUS, clinical and FC assessments were performed at week 12. The primary objective was to evaluate whether ultrasound improvement [MUC ≤ 6.2] at week 12 predicted endoscopic improvement at reassessment [MES ≤ 1]. Endoscopic remission was defined as MES = 0. RESULTS Forty-nine patients were included [59% under infliximab, 29% under vedolizumab, 8% under adalimumab, 4% under ustekinumab]. MUC ≤ 6.2 at week 12 was the only independent predictor for MES ≤ 1 and MES = 0 at reassessment (odds ratio [OR] 5.80, p = 0.010; OR 10.41, p = 0.041; respectively). MUC ≤ 6.2 at week 12 showed a negative predictive value of 96% for detecting MES = 0. A ≥2 reduction of the MUC predicted MES = 0 (area under the curve [AUC] 0.816). MUC ≤ 4.3 was the most accurate cut-off value for MES = 0 [AUC 0.876]. Guyatt's responsiveness ratio for the MUC was 1.73 [>0.8]. CONCLUSION MUC ≤ 6.2 at week 12 predicts long-term endoscopic response. MUC is accurate in monitoring treatment response and may be used in both clinical trials and routine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Allocca
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Hospital San Raffaele and University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Dell'Avalle
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Furfaro
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Hospital San Raffaele and University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zilli
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Hospital San Raffaele and University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Ferdinando D'Amico
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Hospital San Raffaele and University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet
- Department of Gastroenterology and Inserm NGERE 1256, University Hospital of Nancy, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
- Groupe Hospitalier privé Ambroise Paré - Hartmann, Paris IBD center, 92200 Neuilly sur Seine, France
| | - Gionata Fiorino
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Hospital San Raffaele and University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvio Danese
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Hospital San Raffaele and University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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Smith RL, Taylor KM, Friedman AB, Gibson DJ, Con D, Gibson PR. Early sonographic response to a new medical therapy is associated with future treatment response or failure in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 34:613-621. [PMID: 35352696 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS) accurately assesses inflammation and is responsive to changes in inflammatory bowel disease. This study aimed to determine the prognostic utility of sonographic response in the first 14 weeks of a newly-instituted therapy with therapeutic response at 46 weeks and to compare its performance with standard clinical assessment tools. METHODS Patients with sonographic evidence of inflammation were assessed by GIUS, clinical activity, serum C-reactive protein and faecal calprotectin again 2, 6 and 14 weeks after commencing a new biologic or thiopurine. Treatment failure was defined as undergoing surgery, hospitalisation, escalation of dosage or introduction of new medication over 46-weeks' follow-up. Sonographic response was defined as a decrease in bowel wall thickness and improved vascularity. RESULTS In 31 patients (median age 49 years, 74% Crohn's disease), sonographic response at 14 weeks [OR 19.3, 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.23-101.10; P = 0.0054] and faecal calprotectin (P = 0.018), but no clinical disease activity or C-reactive protein, were predictive of subsequent treatment response. Sonographic response alone was predictive at week 6 (P = 0.016), but not week 2. 16% reduction in bowel wall thickness at 6 weeks (area-under-the-receiver-operator-curve=0.86; P = 0.002; sensitivity 72%, specificity 90%), with similar performance for 10% at 14 weeks, was associated with treatment response. CONCLUSION Sonographic response as early as 6 weeks after initiation of a new therapy may accurately predict treatment outcomes over 46 weeks and is superior to other markers used to monitor disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Smith
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Hospital and Monash University
| | - Kirstin M Taylor
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Hospital and Monash University
| | - Antony B Friedman
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Hospital and Monash University
| | - David J Gibson
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Hospital and Monash University
| | - Danny Con
- Department of Gastroenterology, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter R Gibson
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Hospital and Monash University
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Smith RL, Taylor KM, Friedman AB, Gibson RN, Gibson PR. Systematic Review: Clinical Utility of Gastrointestinal Ultrasound in the Diagnosis, Assessment and Management of Patients With Ulcerative Colitis. J Crohns Colitis 2020; 14:465-479. [PMID: 31562739 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjz163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Gastrointestinal ultrasound is useful in the assessment of patients with Crohn's disease, but its application in ulcerative colitis [UC] is less well established. Here we systematically review the role of gastrointestinal ultrasound in patients with UC. METHODS Searches of the PUBMED and EMBASE databases were performed with the following search strategy: [ultrasound OR sonography] AND [intestinal OR bowel] AND [ulcerative colitis OR inflammatory bowel disease]. The final search was performed in August 2019. RESULTS Of 6769 studies identified in the search with a further two studies found from other sources, 50 studies met the inclusion criteria. Increased bowel wall thickness and detection of increased blood flow by colour Doppler were the most often applied criteria for defining disease activity and distribution. When compared with other reference investigations, gastrointestinal ultrasound accurately determined disease extent, severity and response to medical therapy. While further information can be obtained from haemodynamic measurements of the abdominal vessels and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, their clinical value was uncertain. Likewise, hydrocolonic sonography has few advantages over standard gastrointestinal ultrasound examination. Of several scoring systems proposed, there is disparity between the measures and a general lack of validation. There has been limited application of gastrointestinal ultrasound in acute severe ulcerative colitis with toxic megacolon, and, while performing well in children, normal limits differ from those in adults. CONCLUSION Current evidence indicates that gastrointestinal ultrasound has utility in the non-invasive assessment of patients with UC. Continued advances in technology with better image resolution, validation of scoring systems and application at the point of care by gastroenterologists are likely to contribute to increased use of gastrointestinal ultrasound in routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Smith
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kirstin M Taylor
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Antony B Friedman
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robert N Gibson
- Department of Radiology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter R Gibson
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Abstract
Ultrasonography (US) is often the first-line imaging study used to evaluate women who present with acute or chronic pelvic pain. Detection of nongynecologic causes of pelvic pain is critical, because delay in diagnosis can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Evaluation of these entities requires a variety of transducers to achieve optimal imaging depth and changes in patient positioning. Specific imaging techniques (such as graded compression) may be required if bowel pathology is suspected. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is increasingly used to improve detection of certain entities. The US appearance of common gastrointestinal and urinary tract-related causes of pelvic pain is reviewed.
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Usefulness of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Dig Liver Dis 2018; 50:761-767. [PMID: 29705029 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2018.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal ultrasonography has emerged as a cheap, non-invasive and readily accessible modality for the assessment of a number of gastroenterological diseases. Over the last decade, particularly due to the widespread use of biological agents in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), guidelines regarding management and follow-up advise more regular disease assessment and surveillance in order to guide treatment adjustments, and provide more personalised care. Given the young age of the majority of patients with IBD the availability of an alternative modality to harmful radiation or the risks of endoscopy for this indication offers an appealing advantage. Intestinal ultrasonography has been shown to be as sensitive and specific for detecting IBD as both computed tomography and magnetic resonance enterography, and endoscopic evaluation. More recent developments in the technology of ultrasonography equipment and the use of intravenous contrast agents (contrast enhanced ultrasonography, known as CEUS), have significantly increased the ability to both detect disease location, determine the disease activity and also potentially the difference between fibrotic and inflammatory segments. This review focusses specifically on the value of CEUS for the diagnosis of both Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis, in determining disease activity, extraintestinal complications, determination of fibrosis as well as its more recent use in assessing and predicting response to biological and immunosuppressive therapies.
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Abstract
Radiographical modalities have become important diagnostic tools in cases of ulcerative colitis (UC). Imaging can be used non-invasively to determine the extent of involvement, severity of disease and to detect disease-related complications and extra-intestinal inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) manifestations. While abdominal X-rays and barium enemas still retain their relevance in specific clinical settings, the use of computed tomography enterography (CTE) or magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) are now used as first-line investigations to exclude active small bowel disease in IBD patients and can be utilized to detect active colonic inflammation. Additionally, CT colonography and MR colonography are emerging techniques with potential applications in UC. Ultrasonography, leukocyte scintigraphy and positron emission tomography are novel abdominal imaging modalities currently being explored for IBD interrogations. This plethora of radiological imaging options has become a vital component of UC assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parakkal Deepak
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester MN, USA
| | - David H Bruining
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester MN, USA
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Nakano M, Oka S, Tanaka S, Aoyama T, Watari I, Hayashi R, Miyaki R, Nagai K, Sanomura Y, Yoshida S, Ueno Y, Chayama K. Clinical usefulness of classification by transabdominal ultrasonography for detection of small-bowel stricture. Scand J Gastroenterol 2013; 48:1041-7. [PMID: 23906185 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2013.822546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the clinical usefulness of transabdominal ultrasonography (TUS) for detection of small-bowel stricture. PATIENTS AND METHODS Subjects were 796 patients undergoing double-balloon endoscopy (DBE), December 2003-October 2011. All underwent TUS prior to DBE. The TUS findings were classified by type as intestinal narrowing and distension at the oral side (Type A); extensive bowel wall thickening (Type B); focal bowel wall thickening (Type C) or no abnormality detected (Type D). We compared TUS findings against DBE findings with respect to small-bowel stricture, defined as failure of the enteroscope to pass through the small bowel. RESULTS Small-bowel stricture was detected by DBE in 11.3% (90/796) of patients. Strictures resulted from Crohn's disease (n = 36), intestinal tuberculosis (n = 24), malignant lymphoma (n = 9), ischemic enteritis (n = 6), NSAID ulcer (n = 5), radiation enteritis (n = 2), surgical anastomosis (n = 2) and other abnormalities (n = 6). Stricture was detected by TUS in 93.3% (84/90) of patients, and each such stricture fell into one of the three types of TUS abnormality. The remaining 6 strictures were detected only by DBE. DBE-identified strictures corresponded to TUS findings as follows: 100% (43/43) to Type A, 59.1% (29/49) to Type B, 14.8% (12/81) to Type C and 1% (6/623) to Type D. Correspondence between stricture and the Type A classification (vs. Types B, C and D) was significantly high, as was correspondence between stricture and Type B (vs. Types C and D). CONCLUSIONS TUS was shown to be useful for detecting small-bowel stricture. We recommend performing TUS first when a small-bowel stricture is suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Nakano
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University , Hiroshima , Japan
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Bavil AS, Somi MH, Nemati M, Nadergoli BS, Ghabili K, Mirnour R, Ashrafi H. Ultrasonographic evaluation of bowel wall thickness and intramural blood flow in ulcerative colitis. ISRN GASTROENTEROLOGY 2012; 2012:370495. [PMID: 22649739 PMCID: PMC3357539 DOI: 10.5402/2012/370495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aim. This study aimed at assessing Doppler ultrasonographic findings of gut wall vessels and thickness in active and quiescent ulcerative colitis. Methods. Fifty patients with ulcerative colitis were studied using transabdominal grayscale and Doppler sonography of sigmoid, distal and middle parts of descending colon in different stages of the disease. Thickness of colon wall in the most involved site, number of color signals in each box, resistive index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) were evaluated.
Results. The median thickness of the colon wall in the most involved sites was 4.3 mm in acute phase and 4.4 mm in the inactive phase (P = 0.47). The median number of the color signals in the active phase at the most involved site, distal part of descending colon and sigmoid was higher than that of the color signals in the inactive phase (P = 0.0001). In the most involved site, the PI and RI were undetectable in the inactive phase. The median PI was 1.4 in the mild phase, 1.3 in the moderate phase, and 1.1 in the severe phase (P = 0.002). Conclusion. In contrast to the colon wall thickness, increased intramural blood flow reflected the clinical severity in ulcerative colitis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abolhassan Shakeri Bavil
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51656-65811, Iran
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Comparison between quantitative assessment of bowel wall vascularization by contrast-enhanced ultrasound and results of histopathological scoring in ulcerative colitis. Int J Colorectal Dis 2012; 27:193-8. [PMID: 21847545 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-011-1300-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In ulcerative colitis (UC), endoscopic methods are preferred for assessment of extent and activity of disease. Due to the invasive nature of endoscopical examinations, replacement by other, reliable imaging procedures would be helpful. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in combination with perfusion assessment using a specific quantification software might be such a new diagnostic tool. Thus, we compared the findings of CEUS with the results of endoscopically taken specimens applying a histopathological scoring system. METHODS We prospectively evaluated 15 patients with proven UC undergoing endoscopy. CEUS was performed and the quantification software Qontrast® applied to obtain contrast-enhanced sonographic perfusion maps. Moreover, in each patient C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured and taken biopsies were assessed using an advanced scoring system. Four patients had to be excluded from final analysis. RESULTS There was a trend to higher Peak (%) values with increasing histological inflammation. Furthermore, a strong negative correlation between the ratio TTP (s)/Peak (%) (Spearman's correlation r = -0.761, p < 0.01) was found. There was no significant relationship between CRP and histopathological scoring or CEUS parameters, respectively. CONCLUSION Quantitative evaluation with CEUS, particularly the calculation of the ratio TTP (s)/Peak (%), provides a simple method for assessment of inflammatory activity in UC.
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Antonelli E, Giuliano V, Casella G, Villanacci V, Baldini V, Baldoni M, Morelli O, Bassotti G. Ultrasonographic assessment of colonic wall in moderate-severe ulcerative colitis: comparison with endoscopic findings. Dig Liver Dis 2011; 43:703-6. [PMID: 21482208 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2011.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2010] [Revised: 01/17/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bowel ultrasound has been shown to be a useful tool to evaluate patients with inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn's disease. However, such data are still scarce in ulcerative colitis patients. AIMS To establish the value of bowel ultrasound in moderate to severe ulcerative colitis patients, and compare these data with endoscopic findings. PATIENTS AND METHODS Endoscopic, ultrasound and C-reactive protein data from 51 patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis observed during a 3-year period were retrospectively obtained and analysed. RESULTS All patients displayed pathological thickness (>4 mm) of the colon wall. This value strongly correlated with C-reactive protein values (p=0.0001) and the endoscopic score (p<0.0001). Also, a strong correlation (p<0.0001) was found between CRP values and endoscopic score. CONCLUSIONS Bowel ultrasound, in expert hands, may represent a useful adjunctive (or first line) tool for the evaluation of patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Antonelli
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy
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Strobel D, Goertz RS, Bernatik T. Diagnostics in inflammatory bowel disease: Ultrasound. World J Gastroenterol 2011; 17:3192-7. [PMID: 21912467 PMCID: PMC3158394 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i27.3192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2010] [Revised: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, laboratory tests and imaging data. Imaging of the morphological characteristics of IBD includes the assessment of mucosal alterations, transmural involvement and extraintestinal manifestations. No single imaging technique serves as a diagnostic gold standard to encompass all disease manifestations. Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow cross-sectional imaging of the transmural alterations and extraintestinal manifestations. While in the USA the technique of choice is CT, in Europe the focus is more on MRI and ultrasound (US). Most patients with chronic IBD are diagnosed at a young age. After baseline diagnosis many of these young patients have to undergo repetitive imaging procedures during the variable clinical course of the disease, characterized by alternate periods of remission and active disease, and in monitoring the response to treatment. US has the advantage of being noninvasive, less costly, and easily repeatable, and thus can be very useful in following up patients with IBD. In addition, rising concern about radiation exposure in young adults indicates the demand for radiation-sparing techniques like US and MRI. This article focuses on the current clinical practice of US in IBD, describing the current technologies used in transabdominal intestinal US and the characteristic sonographic findings in Crohn´s disease and ulcerative colitis.
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Braden B, Ignee A, Hocke M, Palmer RM, Dietrich C. Diagnostic value and clinical utility of contrast enhanced ultrasound in intestinal diseases. Dig Liver Dis 2010; 42:667-74. [PMID: 20598952 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2010.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2010] [Revised: 04/08/2010] [Accepted: 05/26/2010] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has recently gained increasing attention as it clearly improves the visualisation of perfusion in various tissues. The development of second generation contrast enhancing agents used in low-mechanical-index harmonic ultrasound has enabled real-time assessment of the microvascular circulation and quantification of bowel wall vascularity. For this review Medline was searched for clinical studies using CEUS to investigate the gastrointestinal tract. Many studies demonstrate that acute or chronic inflammation of the intestinal wall is accompanied by increased perfusion of the mesentery, which can be displayed semi-quantitatively using contrast enhanced ultrasound analyzing time intensity curves. In contrast, ischemia is characterized by hypoperfusion of the mesenteric arteries and the bowel wall. The most promising sonographic approach in assessing splanchnic arteries and the bowel wall is combining the analysis of superior and inferior mesenteric inflow by pulsed Doppler scanning (systolic and diastolic velocities, resistance index) with the end-organ vascularity by CEUS. CEUS at a preliminary stage has been described as clinically important in a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, particularly in patients with Crohn's disease. CEUS facilitates the detection of disease extent and activity, and its luminal and extraluminal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Braden
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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