Authors: van Oostayen, J.A.; Wasser, M.N.J.M.; Griffioen, G.; van Hogezand, R.A.; Lamers, C.B.H.W.; de Roos, A.

Source: The American Journal of Gastroenterology, Volume 93, Number 1, 1 January 1998 , pp. 88-91(4)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Objective: To assess the value of measurements of superior mesenteric artery flow using Doppler ultrasound for detecting disease activity in patients with proven or suspected Crohn's disease. Methods: Superior mesenteric artery flow was measured prospectively in 31 patients with known or suspected small-bowel disease. Sixteen patients were known to suffer from Crohn's disease and were suspected of having active disease. Fifteen patients had abdominal complaints without a specific diagnosis. Enteroclysis was used as the standard of reference to detect Crohn's disease, to define the location of small-bowel Crohn's disease, and to assess disease activity by demonstrating cobblestoning. Disease activity was further substantiated by clinical signs, laboratory values, and clinical follow-up. Results: Ten patients with active disease on enteroclysis made up group 1. Group 2 comprised nine patients known to have Crohn's disease but without active disease (inactive small-bowel disease). The remaining 12 patients made up group 3. In group 1, the flow volume values were significantly higher than those in group 2 and group 3: 738 +/- 411 (mean +/- SD). versus 364 +/- 101 and 300 +/- 91, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Whereas the initial diagnosis of small-bowel involvement in Crohn's disease may rely on enteroclysis, Doppler measurements of superior mesenteric artery flow are useful to monitor the activity of Crohn's disease.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9270(97)00029-4

Affiliations: 1: Departments of Diagnostic Radiology and Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, , Leiden, The Netherlands

Publication date: 1998-01-01

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