Evaluation of Bowel Involvement in Crohn’s Disease by Using 64 Multislice CT Enteroclysis

Introduction: Crohn’s disease is a granulomatous inflammatory disease characterized by transmural and segmental involvement of the intestinal wall. Purpose: To determine the utility of computed tomographic (CT) enteroclysis in the evaluation of patients with Crohn’s disease proper delineation of the bowel wall either as meticulous follow-up or in doubtful or difficult endoscopic cases. Material and Methods: Twenty one patients well known of having crohn s disease were referred to assess either disease development or new complications with the utility of CT enteroclysis.Results: CT enteroclysis was successfully performed in all 21 patients having crohn’s disease. Bowel wall thickening and increased enhancement of the thickened mucosa were diagnosed in all patients. Stenotic bowel segments and Skip lesions were depicted in 9 patients (43%). Fistulas were found in 5 patients (24%). Enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes were detected in 6 patients (29%). Conglomeration of bowel loops was found in two patients and abscesses and Ascites were detected in one patient. Conclusion: CT enteroclysis should be considered as the primary method of choice in assessment of crohn s disease. It yields objective and relatively specific morphologic criteria in the evaluation of chron s disease as it combines benefits of traditional enteroclysis along with benefits of extra-intestinal CT imaging.