Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) has emerged as a valuable tool for objectively assessing and monitoring IBD activity. IUS offers a noninvasive, radiation-free alternative to endoscopies and biomarkers through real-time, high-resolution examination of the bowel wall, mesentery and adjacent structures. IUS objectively identifies treatment response, supporting a treat-to-target approach to IBD care. It can facilitate timely treatment adjustment and improve access to objective indicators of disease activity for special populations, such as pregnant patients, patients with comorbid serious diseases and obese patients.
Although IUS has some limitations, the value of IUS in diagnosing and monitoring IBD is comparable to established cross-sectional imaging modalities such as MRE and CTE. Current efforts to integrate IUS into IBD clinical practices focus on training gastroenterologists to facilitate increased adoption of IUS in day-to-day practice. In the future, training advanced practice providers could benefit patients, especially if their primary focus is patients with IBD.
