Cost-effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging and enteroclysis in the diagnostic imaging of Crohn's disease.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the cost-effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and enteroclysis in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).


METHODS
A decision analytic model was performed considering the correct diagnoses of CD and complications such as fistulas and abscesses as effects. Costs were estimated in Euro([symbol: see text]) using German fee schedules.


RESULTS
MRI was more effective and more costly compared with enteroclysis. Incremental cost-effectiveness of MRI versus enteroclysis was [symbol: see text]1,595 per additional correctly diagnosed patient.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of MRI in the work-up of patients with CD cannot be generally recommended from an economical perspective, but results of sensitivity analysis suggest that in patients with high prevalence of complications, MRI becomes as cost-effective as enteroclysis, which is accepted standard diagnostic imaging.
Ebinger
Margrit
M
University of Ulm.
Rieber
Andrea
A
Leidl
Reiner
R
D018784:Abdominal Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D003287:Contrast Media; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000191:economics*; D008747:Methylcellulose / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D011859:Radiography; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D003287:Contrast Media; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D008747:Methylcellulose