How does the overall diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography Article

How does the overall diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography enterography compare with magnetic resonance enterography for assessing disease activity in small bowel Crohn's disease - Article Example CTE is also similar in accuracy to the MRE. Both techniques are highly accurate in identity of abscesses and fistulas (sensitivities and specificities are greater than 0.80). However, MRE should be preferred over CT in young patients because of the absence of radiation. Both CTE and MRE have high accuracy in the assessment of suspected, as well as, established CD and are reliable in measuring complications and disease severity and give the probability of monitoring disease progress. Studies describe Crohn disease as a chronic inflammatory disease associated with the gastrointestinal tract and characterized by segmental and transmural swelling of the walls of the intestines. Its prevalence is increasing while its etiology is not known, though evidence suggests that genetic predisposition in combination with the abnormal interaction of the gut and enteric microbes is likely to play a role in its pathogenesis.1, 3,9,11 Studies investigating the pathology of CD have established that Crohn’s disease present with insidious or abrupt onset of diarrhoea and abdominal pain; this is accompanied by weight loss and fever. Bowel ulceration may cause fistulas and extramural abscesses. Pathologic findings of Crohn disease in the alimentary canal encompass deep ulcers, transmural granulomatous inflammation. 2, 3, 5 This may progress to fistulae and sinus tracts, discontinuous involvement with areas between diseased segments and structures that can result in intestinal o bstruction. Extra-intestinal manifestations include: cholelithiasis, arthritis, dermatologic abnormalities, growth retardation in children and ocular manifestations. Evaluation of inflammatory lesions in the intestines is crucial for managing CD patients, identification of disease extension and location during diagnosis is required in establishing a good management plan. These techniques are also accepted for the detection of all