title: Magnetic resonance enterography in evaluation and management of children with Crohn's disease.
abstract: The role of radiologic evaluation in Crohn's disease (CD) has undergone a recent paradigm shift in which the radiologist adds value to the multidisciplinary team by longitudinally assessing therapeutic response and identifying treatment-modifying subtypes, such as fibrostenotic or fistulizing disease. Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) has become the primary imaging modality used. The combination of multiplanar, multiparametric, and multiphasic contrast-enhanced imaging with the high spatial resolution and very high tissue contrast of MR imaging allows for detailed evaluation of intra-abdominal pathology, without the risk of cumulative radiation exposure. MRE provides the benefit of a complete evaluation of mural, extramural, and even extraintestinal manifestations and complications of CD in a single examination. Cine motility sequences and diffusion-weighted imaging may further increase sensitivity and specificity. MRE represents an ideal imaging modality for initial evaluation, assessment of therapeutic response, and evaluation of complications in patients with CD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA. Electronic address: sara.smolinski@baystatehealth.org.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Smolinski
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: George
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA.
authors.forename: Abdulmalik
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dredar
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA.
authors.forename: Dmitry
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rakita
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D002648:Child; D003287:Contrast Media; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D001466:Barium Sulfate