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Hameed M, Taylor SA. Small bowel imaging in inflammatory bowel disease: updates for 2023. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:1117-1134. [PMID: 37902040 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2023.2274926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cross-sectional imaging techniques including MR and CT enterography and ultrasound are integral to Crohn's disease management, accurate, responsive, and well tolerated. They assess the full thickness of the bowel wall, perienteric environment, and distant complications. As we strive toward tighter disease control, imaging's role will expand further with transmural healing becoming an increasingly important therapeutic target. AREAS COVERED MEDLINE and Web of Science were searched from 2012 to 2023 inclusive. We review the evidence for cross-sectional imaging in assessing disease activity, phenotyping, and therapeutic response assessment. Emerging novel imaging applications such as quantifying enteric motility and fibrosis, prognostication, and potential utility of artificial intelligence will be covered. Recent international consensus statements highlight the need for standardized imaging reporting and definitions of transmural healing and remission. We will discuss how recent advances may be best integrated into patient care and highlight key outstanding research questions. EXPERT OPINION Cross-sectional imaging is established in Crohn's disease management. Research emphasis should be placed on optimal integration of imaging modalities in clinical care pathways, workforce training, definitions, and evidence for use of imaging based therapeutic targets such as transmural healing, better phenotyping of stricturing disease, and developing novel techniques, including integration of artificial intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira Hameed
- Centre for Medical Imaging, University College London, United Kingdom
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University College Hospital, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart A Taylor
- Centre for Medical Imaging, University College London, United Kingdom
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University College Hospital, United Kingdom
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Almomani A, Hitawala A, Abureesh M, Qapaja T, Alshaikh D, Zmaili M, Saleh MA, Alkhayyat M. Implications of artificial intelligence in inflammatory bowel disease: Diagnosis, prognosis and treatment follow up. Artif Intell Gastroenterol 2021; 2:85-93. [DOI: 10.35712/aig.v2.i3.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Driven by the tremendous availability of data, artificial intelligence (AI) using deep learning has emerged as a breakthrough computer technology in the last few decades and has recently been acknowledged by the Task Force on AI as a golden opportunity for research. With its ability to understand, learn from and build on non-linear relationships, AI aims to individualize medical care in an attempt to save time, cost, effort and improve patient’s safety. AI has been applied in multiple medical fields with substantial progress made in gastroenterology mainly to facilitate accurate detection of pathology in different disease processes, among which inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) seems to drag significant attention, specifically by interpreting imaging studies, endoscopic images and videos and -to a lesser extent- disease genomics. Moreover, models have been built to predict IBD occurrence, flare ups, persistence of histological inflammation, disease-related structural abnormalities as well as disease remission. In this article, we will review the applications of AI in IBD in the present medical literature at multiple points of IBD timeline, starting from disease prediction via genomic assessment, diagnostic phase via interpretation of radiological studies and AI-assisted endoscopy, and the role of AI in the evaluation of therapy response and prognosis of IBD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Almomani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital, Cleveland, OH 44111, United States
| | - Asif Hitawala
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital, Cleveland, OH 44111, United States
| | - Mohammad Abureesh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, New York City, NY 10305, United States
| | - Thabet Qapaja
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, United States
| | - Dana Alshaikh
- School of Medicine, Mutah University, Alkarak 61710, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Zmaili
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, United States
| | - Mohannad Abou Saleh
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, United States
| | - Motasem Alkhayyat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, United States
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Mainenti PP, Castiglione F, Rispo A, Laccetti E, Guarino S, Romeo V, Testa A, Pace L, Maurea S. MR-enterography in Crohn's disease: what MRE mural parameters are associated to one-year therapeutic management outcome? Br J Radiol 2021; 94:20200844. [PMID: 33186053 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20200844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of mural parameters of MR-enterography (MRE) with one-year therapeutic management of Crohn's disease (CD) patients. METHODS CD patients, undergone MRE with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps between January 2017 and June 2018, were retrospectively enrolled. Extramural complications represented an exclusion criterion because of their potential influence on the intrinsic characteristic of the bowel wall. Two groups of patients were defined on the base of the therapeutic management adopted at 1-year follow-up: Medical-group and surgical-group. The following MRE parameters were evaluated: wall-thickening, longitudinal-extension, T2-fat-suppression-mural-signal, ulcers, mural-oedema, wall-enhancement-rate/pattern, DWI-scores, ADC-values, strictures. RESULTS 70 CD patients were enrolled. 57/70 (81.4%) were included in Medical-group and 13/70 (18.6%) in Surgical-group. ADCmean and strictures resulted to be significantly (p < 0.01) different between the two groups. The ADCmean showed to be significantly associated to conservative management [p < 0.01; OR: 0.0003; 95% CI (0.00-0.13)], while the strictures to surgical management [p < 0.01; OR: 29.7; 95% CI (4.9-179.7)]. ROC curves for ADCmean showed that AUC was 0.717 [95% CI (0.607-0.810), p < 0.01] with an optimal cut-off value of 1.081 × 10-3 mm2 s-1. A negative predictive value of 90.2% was observed associating ADCmean values > 1.081 × 10-3 mm2 s-1 to conservative therapy. 13/17 (76%) strictures with an ADCmean > 1.081 × 10-3 mm2 s-1 benefited of conservative therapy. CONCLUSION ADCmean values calculated on DWI-MRE may be associated to 1-year conservative medical therapy in patients with CD without extramural complications. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE ADC maps may be proposed to select CD patients with a lower burden of mural active inflammatory cells and/or fibrosis benefiting of 1-year conservative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier Paolo Mainenti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging of the National Council of Research (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Fabiana Castiglione
- Gastroenterology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine "Federico II" of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Rispo
- Gastroenterology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine "Federico II" of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Ettore Laccetti
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Guarino
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Romeo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Testa
- Gastroenterology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine "Federico II" of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Leonardo Pace
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Simone Maurea
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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Zhu M, Feng Q, Xu X, Qiao Y, Cui Z, Yan Y, Ran Z. Efficacy of early intervention on the bowel damage and intestinal surgery of Crohn's disease, based on the Lémann index. BMC Gastroenterol 2020; 20:421. [PMID: 33308166 PMCID: PMC7733289 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-020-01575-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Clinicians aim to prevent progression of Crohn’s disease (CD); however, many patients require surgical resection because of cumulative bowel damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of early intervention on bowel damage in patients with CD using the Lémann Index and to identify bowel resection predictors.
Methods We analyzed consecutive patients with CD retrospectively. The Lémann Index was determined at the point of inclusion and at follow-up termination. The Paris definition was used to subdivide patients into early and late CD groups. Results We included 154 patients, comprising 70 with early CD and 84 with late CD. After follow-up for 17.0 months, more patients experienced a decrease in the Lémann Index (61.4% vs. 42.9%), and fewer patients showed an increase in the Lémann Index (20% vs. 35.7%) in the early compared with the late CD group. Infliximab and other therapies reversed bowel damage to a greater extent in early CD patients than in late CD patients. Twenty-two patients underwent intestinal surgery, involving 5 patients in the early CD group and 17 patients in the late CD group. Three independent predictors of bowel resection were identified: baseline Lémann index ≥ 8.99, disease behavior B1, and history of intestinal surgery. Conclusions Early intervention within 18 months after CD diagnosis could reverse bowel damage and decrease short-term intestinal resection. Patients with CD with a history of intestinal surgery, and/or a Lémann index > 8.99 should be treated aggressively and monitored carefully to prevent progressive bowel damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Zhu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Feng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xitao Xu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqi Qiao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Cui
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunqi Yan
- Department of Radiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihua Ran
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China.
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Rodríguez-Lago I, Zabana Y, Barreiro-de Acosta M. Diagnosis and natural history of preclinical and early inflammatory bowel disease. Ann Gastroenterol 2020; 33:443-452. [PMID: 32879589 PMCID: PMC7406806 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2020.0508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic and progressive disorder of the
gastrointestinal tract. A relevant proportion of patients develop complicated
lesions, defined as strictures, fistulas and/or abscesses already at diagnosis,
and this proportion increases over time. The preclinical phase defines the
period of time from the appearance of the first immune disturbances until the
development of overt disease, and it may be present months to years before the
diagnosis. Multiple biomarkers (e.g., C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, fecal
calprotectin) and cellular mechanisms (e.g., complement cascade, lysosomes,
innate immunity, and glycosaminoglycan metabolism) are already altered during
this period. Research in this area allows the description of the initial immune
disturbances that may identify potential targets and lead to the development of
new drug therapies. During this period, different interventions in high-risk
individuals, including drugs or environmental factors, will open the possibility
of innovative strategies focused on the reduction of complications, or even
prevention trials for inflammatory bowel disease. Here, we review the most
relevant findings regarding the characteristics, prevalence and biomarkers
associated with preclinical disease, along with their possible use in our future
clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iago Rodríguez-Lago
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital de Galdakao and Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Galdakao (Iago Rodríguez-Lago)
| | - Yamile Zabana
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Universitari Mútua Terrassa, Terrassa (Yamile Zabana).,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) (Yamile Zabana)
| | - Manuel Barreiro-de Acosta
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela (Manuel Barreiro-de Acosta), Spain
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Rodríguez-Lago I, Hoyo JD, Pérez-Girbés A, Garrido-Marín A, Casanova MJ, Chaparro M, Fernández-Clotet A, Castro-Poceiro J, García MJ, Sánchez S, Ferreiro-Iglesias R, Bastón I, Piqueras M, Careda LEIBD, Mena R, Suárez C, Cordón JP, López-García A, Márquez L, Arroyo M, Alfambra E, Sierra M, Cano N, Delgado-Guillena P, Morales-Alvarado V, Aparicio JC, Guerra I, Aulló C, Merino O, Arranz L, Hidalgo MA, Llaó J, Plaza R, Molina G, Torres P, Pérez-Galindo P, Romero MG, Herrera-deGuise C, Armesto E, Mesonero F, Frago-Larramona S, Benítez JM, Calvo M, Martín MDCL, Elorza A, Larena A, Peña E, Rodríguez-Grau MDC, Miguel-Criado JD, Botella B, Olmos JA, López L, Aguirre U, Gisbert JP. Early treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor agents improves long-term effectiveness in symptomatic stricturing Crohn's disease. United European Gastroenterol J 2020; 8:1056-1066. [PMID: 32723069 DOI: 10.1177/2050640620947579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of biological therapy in stricturing complications in patients with Crohn's disease. AIM The study aims to determine the effectiveness of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents in Crohn's disease complicated with symptomatic strictures. METHODS In this multicentric and retrospective study, we included adult patients with symptomatic stricturing Crohn's disease receiving their first anti-TNF therapy, with no previous history of biological, endoscopic or surgical therapy. The effectiveness of the anti-TNF agent was defined as a composite outcome combining steroid-free drug persistence with no use of new biologics or immunomodulators, hospital admission, surgery or endoscopic therapy during follow-up. RESULTS Overall, 262 patients with Crohn's disease were included (53% male; median disease duration, 35 months, 15% active smokers), who received either infliximab (N = 141, 54%) or adalimumab (N = 121, 46%). The treatment was effective in 87% and 73% of patients after 6 and 12 months, respectively, and continued to be effective in 26% after a median follow-up of 40 months (IQR, 19-85). Nonetheless, 15% and 21% of individuals required surgery after 1 and 2 years, respectively, with an overall surgery rate of 32%. Postoperative complications were identified in 15% of patients, with surgical site infection as the most common. Starting anti-TNF therapy in the first 18 months after the diagnosis of Crohn's disease or the identification of stricturing complications was associated with a higher effectiveness (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.18-2.22; and HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.1-2.23; respectively). Younger age, lower albumin levels, strictures located in the descending colon, concomitant aminosalicylates use or presence of lymphadenopathy were associated with lower effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS Anti-TNF agents are effective in approximately a quarter of patients with Crohn's disease and symptomatic intestinal strictures, and 68% of patients are free of surgery after a median of 40 months of follow-up. Early treatment and some potential predictors of response were associated with treatment success in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iago Rodríguez-Lago
- Hospital de Galdakao, Gastroenterology, Galdakao, Spain.,Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Javier Del Hoyo
- Hospital Universitari i Politècnic de La Fe, Gastroenterology, Valencia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - María José Casanova
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Gastroenterology, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-IP), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Chaparro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Gastroenterology, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-IP), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Agnès Fernández-Clotet
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Clinic, Gastroenterology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - María José García
- Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Gastroenterology, Santander, Spain
| | - Sara Sánchez
- Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Radiology, Santander, Spain
| | - Rocío Ferreiro-Iglesias
- Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Gastroenterology, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Iria Bastón
- Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Gastroenterology, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marta Piqueras
- Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Gastroenterology, Terrassa, Spain
| | | | - Raquel Mena
- Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Gastroenterology, Terrassa, Spain
| | - Cristina Suárez
- Hospital Universitario La Paz, Gastroenterology, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Alicia López-García
- Hospital del Mar, Gastroenterology, Barcelona, Spain, and Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucía Márquez
- Hospital del Mar, Gastroenterology, Barcelona, Spain, and Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maite Arroyo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.,IIS Aragón, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Gastroenterology, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Erika Alfambra
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.,IIS Aragón, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Gastroenterology, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Mónica Sierra
- Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Gastroenterology, León, Spain
| | - Noelia Cano
- Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Gastroenterology, León, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Iván Guerra
- Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Gastroenterology, Fuenlabrada, Spain, and Instituto de Investigación de La Paz (IdiPaz), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Aulló
- Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Radiology, Fuenlabrada, Spain
| | - Olga Merino
- Hospital Universitario de Cruces, Gastroenterology, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Laura Arranz
- Hospital Ntra. Sra. Candelaria, Gastroenterology, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Jordina Llaó
- Althaia, Xarxa Assistencial Universitària de Manresa, Gastroenterology, Manresa, Spain
| | - Rocío Plaza
- Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Gastroenterology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Molina
- Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ferrol, Gastroenterology, Ferrol, Spain
| | - Paola Torres
- Hospital Universitario German Trias I Pujol, Gastroenterology, Badalona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Edisa Armesto
- Hospital San Agustín, Gastroenterology, Avilés, Spain
| | | | | | - José Manuel Benítez
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Gastroenterology, Córdoba, Spain.,IMIBIC, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Marta Calvo
- Hospital Puerta de Hierro, Gastroenterology, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ainara Elorza
- Hospital de Galdakao, Gastroenterology, Galdakao, Spain.,Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | - Elena Peña
- Hospital Royo Villanova, Gastroenterology, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | | | - Belén Botella
- Hospital Universitario Infanta Cristina, Gastroenterology, Parla, Spain
| | - José Antonio Olmos
- Hospital Universitario Rey Juan Carlos, Gastroenterology, Móstoles, Spain
| | - Laura López
- Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Gastroenterology, Reus, Spain
| | - Urko Aguirre
- Research Unit, Hospital de Galdakao. Red de Investigación en Servicios de Salud en Enfermedades Crónicas (REDISSEC)
| | - Javier P Gisbert
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Gastroenterology, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-IP), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that is characterized by chronic inflammation of any part of the gastrointestinal tract, has a progressive and destructive course and is increasing in incidence worldwide. Several factors have been implicated in the cause of Crohn's disease, including a dysregulated immune system, an altered microbiota, genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, but the cause of the disease remains unknown. The onset of the disease at a young age in most cases necessitates prompt but long-term treatment to prevent disease flares and disease progression with intestinal complications. Thus, earlier, more aggressive treatment with biologic therapies or novel small molecules could profoundly change the natural history of the disease and decrease complications and the need for hospitalization and surgery. Although less invasive biomarkers are in development, diagnosis still relies on endoscopy and histological assessment of biopsy specimens. Crohn's disease is a complex disease, and treatment should be personalized to address the underlying pathogenetic mechanism. In the future, disease management might rely on severity scores that incorporate prognostic factors, bowel damage assessment and non-invasive close monitoring of disease activity to reduce the severity of complications.
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Fiorino G, Bonifacio C, Allocca M, Danese S. Impact of therapies on bowel damage in Crohn's disease. United European Gastroenterol J 2020; 8:410-417. [PMID: 32213030 DOI: 10.1177/2050640620908696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that usually progresses to bowel damage, defined as strictures, fistulas and abscesses. These complications require intestinal resection and lead to further irreversible structural damage. Cross-sectional imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and ultrasound, are accurate in assessing intestinal damage at a definite time point and the progression of damage over time. Recently, an imaging-based index, the Lémann Index, has been proposed and developed in order to quantify bowel damage in CD patients; emerging data confirm that this Index can measure the structural damage with good sensitivity to change. One challenge remains to understand whether existing or future treatments might be able to stop bowel-damage progression or even reverse intestinal damage, improving the prognosis and changing the natural history of CD. We reviewed the current data available in the literature focused on the measure of structural damage in CD patients, mainly focusing on the impact on therapies in reversing bowel damage. We also explored some further perspectives on measuring and targeting intestinal damage in clinical research and in clinical practice as an ultimate therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gionata Fiorino
- IBD Centre, Department of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Mariangela Allocca
- IBD Centre, Department of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvio Danese
- IBD Centre, Department of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
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9
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Serban ED. Treat-to-target in Crohn's disease: Will transmural healing become a therapeutic endpoint? World J Clin Cases 2018; 6:501-513. [PMID: 30397606 PMCID: PMC6212605 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v6.i12.501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Crohn's disease (CD) represents a chronic transmural inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, which usually leads to structural damage and significant disability. Deep remission - defined by both clinical and endoscopic remission, signifying mucosal healing - represents the current endpoint in the treat-to-target strategy, significantly improving patients' long-term outcomes. Transmural healing (TH) could be a more effective target, but this possibility remains unclear. This narrative review aims to critically review and summarize the available literature relating TH to long-term outcomes, being the first of its kind and to the best of the author's knowledge. A systematic literature search (from inception to March 31 2018) was performed, using multiple databases, and identifying seven full-text manuscripts. In those studies, long-term favorable outcomes (≥ 52 wk) included sustained clinical remission, as well as fewer therapeutic changes, CD-related hospitalizations, and surgeries. Despite heterogeneous design and methodological limitations, six of the studies demonstrated that TH or intestinal healing (TH plus mucosal healing) were predictive for the aforementioned favorable outcomes. Therefore, TH may become a reasonable therapeutic target and be included in the concept of deep remission. Further prospective, well-designed, multicenter trials aiming to better define the role of TH in personalized therapy for CD and to determine the long-term influence of TH on bowel damage and disability are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Daniela Serban
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Emergency Hospital for Children, Cluj-Napoca 400177, Romania
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10
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Rozendorn N, Amitai MM, Eliakim RA, Kopylov U, Klang E. A review of magnetic resonance enterography-based indices for quantification of Crohn's disease inflammation. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2018; 11:1756284818765956. [PMID: 29686731 PMCID: PMC5900818 DOI: 10.1177/1756284818765956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) is a leading radiological modality in Crohn's disease (CD) and is used together with laboratory findings and endoscopic examinations for the evaluation of patients during initial diagnosis and follow up. Over the years, there has been great progress in the understanding of CD and there is a continuous strive to achieve better monitoring of patients and to develop new modalities which will predict disease course and thus help in clinical decisions making. An objective evaluation of CD using a quantification score is not a new concept and there are different clinical, endoscopies, radiological and combined indices which are used in clinical practice. Such scores are a necessity in clinical trials on CD for evaluation of disease response, however, there is no consensus of the preferred MRE score and they are not routinely used. This review presents MRE-based indices in use in the last decade: the Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity (MaRIA), the Clermont score, the Crohn's Disease Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Index (CDMI), the Magnetic Resonance Enterography Global Score (MEGS) and the Lemann index. We compare the different indices and evaluate the clinical research that utilized them. The aim of this review is to provide a reference guide for researchers and clinicians who incorporate MRE indices in their work. When devising future indices, accumulated data of the existing indices must be taken into account, as each of the current indices has its own strengths and weakness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Uri Kopylov
- Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, Tel Hashomer, Israel
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Pita I, Magro F. Advanced imaging techniques for small bowel Crohn's disease: what does the future hold? Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2018; 11:1756283X18757185. [PMID: 29467827 PMCID: PMC5813850 DOI: 10.1177/1756283x18757185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) is intrinsically reliant on imaging techniques, due to the preponderance of small bowel disease and its transmural pattern of inflammation. Ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the most widely employed imaging methods and have excellent diagnostic accuracy in most instances. Some limitations persist, perhaps the most clinically relevant being the distinction between inflammatory and fibrotic strictures. In this regard, several methodologies have recently been tested in animal models and human patients, namely US strain elastography, shear wave elastography, contrast-enhanced US, magnetization transfer MRI and contrast dynamics in standard MRI. Technical advances in each of the imaging methods may expand their indications. The addition of oral contrast to abdominal US appears to substantially improve its diagnostic capabilities compared to standard US. Ionizing dose-reduction methods in CT can decrease concern about cumulative radiation exposure in CD patients and diffusion-weighted MRI may reduce the need for gadolinium contrast. Clinical indexes of disease activity and severity are also increasingly relying on imaging scores, such as the recently developed Lémann Index. In this review we summarize some of the recent advances in small bowel CD imaging and how they might affect clinical practice in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Pita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Porto, Portugal
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Allen PB, Olivera P, Emery P, Moulin D, Jouzeau JY, Netter P, Danese S, Feagan B, Sandborn WJ, Peyrin-Biroulet L. Review article: moving towards common therapeutic goals in Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 45:1058-1072. [PMID: 28247573 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crohn's disease (CD) and rheumatoid arthritis are chronic, progressive and disabling conditions that frequently lead to structural tissue damage. Based on strategies originally developed for rheumatoid arthritis, the treatment goal for CD has recently moved from exclusively controlling symptoms to both clinical remission and complete mucosal healing (deep remission), with the final aim of preventing bowel damage and disability. AIM To review the similarities and differences in treatment goals between CD and rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS This review examined manuscripts from 1982 to 2016 that discussed and/or proposed therapeutic goals with their supportive evidence in CD and rheumatoid arthritis. RESULTS Proposed therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes in both rheumatoid arthritis and CD include: (i) evaluation of musculoskeletal or organ damage and disability, (ii) tight control, (iii) treat-to-target, (iv) early intervention and (v) disease modification. In contrast to rheumatoid arthritis, there is a paucity of disease-modification trials in CD. CONCLUSIONS Novel therapeutic strategies in CD based on tight control of objective signs of inflammation are expected to change disease course and patients' lives by halting progression or, ideally, preventing the occurrence of bowel damage. Most of these strategies require validation in prospective studies, whereas several disease-modification trials have addressed these issues in rheumatoid arthritis over the last decade. The recent approval of new drugs in CD such as vedolizumab and ustekinumab should facilitate initiation of disease-modification trials in CD in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- P B Allen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Ulster Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - P Olivera
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas (CEMIC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - P Emery
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - D Moulin
- UMR 7365 IMoPA CNRS-Université de Lorraine, Biopôle de l'Université de Lorraine, Campus Biologie-Santé, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France
| | - J-Y Jouzeau
- UMR 7365 IMoPA CNRS-Université de Lorraine, Biopôle de l'Université de Lorraine, Campus Biologie-Santé, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France
| | - P Netter
- UMR 7365 IMoPA CNRS-Université de Lorraine, Biopôle de l'Université de Lorraine, Campus Biologie-Santé, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France
| | - S Danese
- Department of Gastroenterology, IBD Center, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - B Feagan
- Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - W J Sandborn
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - L Peyrin-Biroulet
- Inserm U954 and Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Nancy, Lorraine University, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
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