Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in assessment of activity
of Crohn's disease (CD).
Methods and materials: Sixty-nine contrast-enhanced ultrasound examinations of the bowels were performed
in 48 patients (25 males, 23 females, mean age 32 years) with confirmed CD. The Crohn\'s
disease activity index (CDAI) was calculated in all patients. In 19 patients one follow-up
examination was performed, in 2 patients two follow-up examinations were performed.
The bowels were imaged on a Voluson 730 Expert (General Electric) machine using a
2–5MHz convex probe. Before contrast administration the small and large bowel were
examined in gray-scale. Contrast-enhanced images were obtained after intravenous administration
of 1.2ml of SonoVue (Bracco).
Results: The CDAI score was >150 in 24 cases, and=150 in 45 cases. In 7 examinations assessment
of the enhancement was not possible due to motion artifacts. In patients with CDAI>150
intense enhancement of the bowel wall was observed in 19/23 examinations (83%), in
patients with CDAI=150 intense enhancement was observed in 19/39 examinations (49%).
Conclusion: Intense contrast enhancement of the bowel in CD is seen in majority of patients with
high CDAI. In patients with low CDAI contrast enhancement may be an indicator of disease
activity despite of clinical remission.
